KFC Thinks Inside the Bucket, Unveiling a Bold New Take on the Iconic Favourite

It’s that time of year again, when the iconic KFC bucket takes centre stage, ready to serve up a delicious helping of joy and nostalgia for their biggest digital promotion of the year - “First Bucket’s On Us.”  Introduced by Colonel Sanders in the 1950’s, this beloved bucket has become more than just an iconic container; it’s a symbol of comfort, celebration, and finger-lickin’ good times across the globe. From family feasts to late-night cravings, the KFC bucket is the ultimate culinary companion.

So, to celebrate this timely promotion, KFC is flipping the script by tapping into its bucket of fame, showing it in a way Canadians have never seen before – from the inside, out. Developed by Courage Inc., the campaign kicks off with a vibrant 30-second spot directed by Justin Abernethy of Spy Films. The spot captures the thrill of getting your first bucket for free, featuring a vibrant array of characters that celebrate the universal love for KFC’s iconic bucket. With a special focus on the Original Recipe Chicken Tenders— now a beloved favourite among Canadians — this campaign brings bucket love to life in a fresh, exciting way for a younger generation of chicken fans.

“We're thrilled to launch 'First Bucket’s On Us' in a way that pays tribute to one of our most distinctive assets—the KFC bucket,” said Laura Mallozzi, brand communications manager at KFC Canada." At KFC, we believe that brand building and promotional campaigns shouldn't be siloed, and this campaign is a testament that you can effectively do both.”

The campaign will be featured across TV and OLV, with high-impact visuals on social. From Sept 25th to Nov 10th, Canadians can get their first six-piece tenders bucket free when they spend a minimum of $15 on the KFC app.

"Let's face it: the bucket is so iconic that you don't even need to see it to recognize what it is,” said Joel Holtby, founder and co-CCO at Courage. “Whether it’s Original Recipe Chicken, popcorn chicken, or tenders, KFC’s bucket is one of the most distinct pieces of packaging in the world, and that speaks volumes about the brand and why it’s so universally loved.”