KFC switch to high stability canola oil finger-lickin good for Canadian canola industry

More than seven million kilos of high-stability canola oil has been used in Canadian KFC restaurants since the company ditched its vegetable shortening frying methods last year in favour of the healthier alternative. Demand from the restaurant chain, which has more than 700 locations across the country, is expected to continue for the long-term, said Chris Moore, director of supply chain at UPGC, the Canadian purchasing and distribution arm for KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

"It's a nutritional element for our consumers, and that's where the market is going, that's where it's at right now. The focus for me is to ensure a continuous supply,"said Moore, who was in Saskatoon Wednesday to address the crowd at Canola Days, part of Crop Production Week. In addition to speaking about KFC's canola oil testing process and the transition to trans-fat free products last year, Moore was charged with the task of understanding producer concerns and their commitment to providing canola to the industry.