10 Million Chickens Gone: Shortage of Combo and Boneless Cuts Leaves Fried Chicken Shop Owners Sighing

According to Financial News, the spread of avian influenza (AI) last winter is now disrupting the supply of raw chicken meat to the fried chicken industry. In particular, as deliveries of specific cuts used for combo menus are delayed, some franchise headquarters have gone into emergency mode, adjusting quantities and shipping frozen meat in parallel to make up for shortages.
On the 17th, franchise industry sources said that Kyochon F&B recently notified franchise owners that it would adjust the supply volume of key cuts such as wings, drumettes, and honey combo parts, and that boneless tenderloin and thigh products would be shipped using frozen meat as well.
The recent delays in shipping raw meat were also a major topic at a communication committee meeting between Kyochon headquarters and franchise owners. However, Kyochon headquarters reportedly offered only a limited measure, saying it would inform franchisees in advance whenever frozen meat is supplied.
The current supply crunch is largely due to highly pathogenic AI outbreaks at farms nationwide since last winter. There have been 56 AI cases this winter season, up from 32 in 2023 and 49 in 2024. As of the 14th, more than 9.86 million broilers and laying hens had been culled, about twice the previous year’s 4.83 million. With the overall poultry population sharply reduced and wholesale chicken prices rising, securing raw chicken meat across the board has become difficult.
According to the Korea Broiler Council, the average price for 9–10 size chickens that day was 5,154 won, a jump of 769 won (17.5%) from 4,385 won at the start of the year.
Kyochon, whose menu relies heavily on parts such as drumsticks and wings, has been hit harder than rival brands because it needs larger volumes of those specific cuts. The inventory burden from less popular parts like chicken breast, which inevitably arise when producing parts, and rising demand for popular cuts at competing brands have also significantly strained the supply chain. Competitors BHC Chicken and bb.q Chicken are closely monitoring raw meat supply conditions as the AI situation drags on.
One franchise owner said, "I understand that AI has reduced the supply of raw chicken, but it is frustrating that headquarters has not provided clear notices or communication," and argued, "The priority should be to secure volume in advance, even if that means raising the purchase price."
Fried chicken franchise headquarters are responding by securing safety stocks in advance and diversifying their supply chains to smaller poultry farms in regions unaffected by AI.
A BHC Chicken representative stated, "Securing raw chicken meat in winter is a chronic issue for the industry," and added, "We are working to stabilize supply through proactive measures by our purchasing team."
security@fnnews.com Park Kyung-ho Reporter