KFC Cashes in on Love of Chinese Couples

KFC brings the Cupid's arrow to China for this Valentine's Day weekend! What food captures the millions of young couples in love? Egg tarts. For those unfamiliar with this pastry item, it originated in Portugal but has gained popularity in Hong Kong and Macau over recent decades. In fact, it has become a staple dish for the local dim sum cuisine. According to this Wall Street Journal article, KFC sells three times as many egg tarts on Valentine's Day than any other time throughout the year.

KFC is not the only one to have a love campaign to lure in more Chinese consumers. Starbucks Corp. and Haagen-Dazs each have their own Valentine's Day promotions. 

Doesn't it seem strange? A western holiday such as Valentine's Day is receiving so much recognition in a country that has very different culture from America? This growing trend is the end result of western companies using every sales ploy in the book to create more revenue to their balance sheet. They pry on Chinese consumers' desperate desire to experience the American lifestyle by introducing these Hallmark holidays.

Is this the beginning of western invasion in China? Will one day Valentine's Day become a Chinese holiday? KFC's vision is to "be integrated into Chinese consumers' lives." I'm scared that one day I will see children in China gulf down super-sized burgers and drink a extra large cup of Coca-cola for dinner.