KFC launched a discount program on Dec 25 among its 1,400-odd stores in 31 Chinese cities.

The program, which will end on Feb 3, 2009, covers five different set meals and KFC's best selling products in China, involving chicken, cod and beef.

Consumers who come in pairs, could each enjoy a discount of about 20 percent by selecting any one of the five set meals, and the discount would be a lot more if consumers come in larger groups.

KFC China said in a press release that the program is expected to encourage Chinese consumers to eat at KFC as the financial crisis has been negatively affecting China's fast food businesses.

KFC was the first foreign fast food chain to enter into China, which has grown into the US fast food chain's most important and fastest growing market.

(China Daily December 26, 2008)