Rats At KFC-Taco Bell, NYC Wreak Havoc For Yum
Rats At KFC-Taco Bell, NYC Wreak Havoc For Yum
NYC health department closed the Greenwich Village oulet after rats were seen running wild in the outlet. Far from a localised issue - this has global consquences, as a video of the vermin has exploded over the internet and made headlines around the globe. A huge PR crisis is unfolding infront of our eyes - yet Yum don't seem to have realised the scale of the disaster. They issued a statement claiming this was "an isolated incident". They seem to have overlooked the fact that the internet has put an end to a crisis remaining 'local' - it may only have affected one outlet - but it has spread across the web like wildfire and Yum have failed to respond adequately to the crisis. This isn't the first health scare for Yum, after an E-coli breakout at the end of last year, and it isn't the first time they have mismanaged a crisis! Given there is nothing like rats to put you off your food - this doesn't look good for Yum - which is clearly anything but!
Trend Themes
1. Food Safety Concerns - There is a growing trend of consumers demanding more transparency and accountability from the food industry, creating opportunities for innovative solutions that can address food safety concerns.
2. Online Reputation Management - The rise of social media and viral content has highlighted the importance of effective online reputation management, presenting an opportunity for businesses to develop strategies and tools that can monitor and respond to online crises in real-time.
3. Consumer Empowerment - With the power of the internet, consumers now have the ability to hold businesses accountable for their actions, leading to a trend of increased consumer empowerment and creating opportunities for companies to engage with their customers and build trust.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry needs to proactively address food safety concerns, investing in technologies and processes that can ensure the highest standards of quality and minimize health risks.
2. Public Relations and Crisis Management - The field of public relations and crisis management is becoming increasingly important as businesses face the challenge of managing online reputation and responding to crises effectively.
3. Consumer Engagement and Branding - In today's consumer-centric market, businesses need to focus on building strong relationships with their customers and implementing transparent strategies that empower consumers, ultimately enhancing their brand image and loyalty.