The adjustment comes after two years of accelerated growth, in a context of high local uncertainty that strengthened the cautious consumption behaviour, according to the company’s representatives.
By brand, KFC sales declined by 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, generating RON 311.3 million as a result of the discretionary spending in Romania linked to the political and economic situation.
Pizza Hut contributed RON 27.2 million to the total Q1 turnover, reflecting a 1% YoY, decline still being the result of the streamlining of the restaurant network.
Taco Bell reported a robust 15.6% YoY growth, reaching RON 24.1 million in revenues in Q1 2025, reflecting the continued appeal of the brand especially towards the young generation. In line with geographical trends, there was a slight rebalancing in brand contributions to total turnover, with Taco Bell’s share increasing while KFC’s decreased.
Consequently, in Q1 2025, KFC accounted for 85.9%, Pizza Hut for 7.5%, and Taco Bell for 6.6% of total sales.
In Romania, sales in Q1 2025 reached RON 311.1 million, a 1.9% YoY decrease. Italy contributed RON 44.7 million, reflecting a 3.3% YoY increase, while the Republic of Moldova generated RON 6.8 million within the quarter, marking a significant, 23.2% YoY increase, driven by the sales at the recently opened, 3rd KFC unit in Chisinau.
In Q1/2025, Sphera opened a new KFC Drive Thru restaurant in the Romanian city of Galati, the first restaurant equipped with solar panels. In April, the company added another KFC unit, in Mall Moldova, thus reaching 175 restaurants.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)