Fried chicken has become a popular dish in Japan, and KFC Japan is offering a new product called 'Finger Naps' with its fried chicken meals to help Japanese consumers with one of the biggest fried chicken-related problems. KFC Japan's Finger Naps are thin plastic coverings that fit over consumers' thumbs and forefingers, allowing them to grab on to a drumstick or wing without getting any grease on their hands.
Perhaps moreso than in North America, Japanese culture emphasizes cleanliness -- especially while eating. Fried chicken is far from a cleanly meal, which forced KFC Japan to figure out a way to appeal to Japanese consumers. The Finger Naps, which are currently on a trial, will available at 222 locations across Japan (nearly all the restaurants in the country) starting on December 15th.
Fried Chicken Finger Napkins
KFC Japan's 'Finger Naps' Keep Hands Clean and Grease-Free
Trend Themes
1. Clean Eating Accessories - Opportunities for brands to create innovative products that appeal to those who strive for cleanliness while eating.
2. Convenient Meal Packaging - Opportunities for packaging companies to create more convenient and practical packaging solutions for fast food meals.
3. Single-use Plastics Alternatives - Opportunities for environmentally conscious companies to create sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items like Finger Naps.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The fast food industry can innovate with products that cater to different cultural norms around cleanliness while eating.
2. Packaging - The packaging industry can innovate with more practical and eco-friendly packaging solutions for fast food meals like fried chicken.
3. Sustainability - The sustainability industry can capitalize on the trend towards eco-consciousness and create more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics like Finger Naps.