Built to international standards, the center is designed to manage the entire innovation and R&D product lifecycle in one place. Concept creation, project evaluation, prototype development, pilot trials, consumer validation and market launch are handled within a single integrated ecosystem, rather than split across separate functions or external suppliers.

The inauguration follows a period of significant achievement for Tanmiah. In 2026 for the fifth consecutive time, through its Agricultural Development Company (ADC) subsidiary, the company received Product of the Year Gulf Edition honors for its Frozen Breaded Chicken Range (seen below) and its Taste Secrets Fresh Marinated Shaqra Pepper Chicken Breast Fillet in the marinated category.

In addition to consumer product innovation, the innovation center is designed to foster close collaboration with hotel, restaurant, café/catering (HORECA) and other foodservice partners on tailored solutions ranging from product development to menu creation. Its capabilities extend beyond poultry products themselves, supporting the development, testing and validation of new protein categories. The platform is positioned for expanding Tanmiah’s value-added portfolio across the broader protein landscape, advancing the company’s vision of becoming the leading global provider of halal, sustainable and healthy protein products.

The facility is organized into four connected areas: creation and research, kitchen, application, and sensory analysis. This integrated structure supports faster responses to emerging trends, improved decision-making, and higher product quality, all while protecting operational continuity. By replicating Tanmiah’s further-processing and marination capabilities at a micro-laboratory scale, the facility enables products to be fully developed and validated on site before moving directly to production. This reduces lead times, improves responsiveness to consumer feedback, and ensures products reach the market in the shortest possible time.

“We are strengthening our ability to respond faster and more effectively to the evolving needs of our customers and consumers, creating products that are more convenient, healthier, and deliver greater value,” said Zulfiqar Hamadani, group chief executive officer. “At the same time, it enables us to contribute positively towards the ambitions of Vision 2030 by developing a more diversified, self-sufficient, and sustainable food sector. For six decades, our deep connection to the communities we serve has been a cornerstone of our resilience and success, and we believe it will remain central to how we grow and create value for generations to come”

Marcos Delorenzo, ADC’s chief executive officer, added: “Chicken meat is one of the most versatile proteins, offering tremendous possibilities for innovation across flavors, spices, formats and occasions. The innovation center allows us to unlock that potential, responding faster to evolving consumer trends and customer needs with differentiated products and customized solutions. Is capabilities also take us beyond poultry, providing a platform to explore new protein categories and expand Tanmiah’s role in the future of food in the Kingdom, regionally and globally.”

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“Chicken tenders provide so much of what Americans seek in a meal,” said Ayesha Narula, vice president and general manager of Chicago-headquartered Conagra. “Convenient protein, easy prep, and delicious taste are among the many reasons consumers enjoy them. In preparing for the arrival of our Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders, we found some fascinating insights on their broad popularity.”

Chicken in America: A Closer Look
Since the 1940s, chicken has steadily risen to become the USA’s most widely available protein. In 1996, chicken moved past pork to become the second-most available protein before overtaking beef in 2010. The average American’s total chicken consumption first surpassed 100 pounds in 2024 and is projected it hit 106.8 pounds per capita in 2027.

Driving the appetite for chicken is the Generation Z demographic [persons born between 1997 and 2012] seeking protein. Half of Gen Z adults are looking to add more protein to their diets – up 14% versus year ago, according to Circana. With 23% of Gen Z’s annual eating occasions marked as “Heat & Eat” meals, chicken tenders are an ideal mealtime solution. Nationwide, 48% of all consumers say they are actively seeking more protein, a figure that is up 6.8 points versus a year ago.

The following statistics further illustrate the depth of America’s appetite for chicken and chicken tenders.

• $1.8 billion: Annual retail sales for frozen chicken tenders and strips

• 3%: Three-year compound annual dollar growth for frozen chicken tenders and strips

• 62.3%: Share of households in the USA buying frozen prepared chicken at least once a year

• 27%: Tenders’ menu penetration rate; more than a quarter of all restaurant menus in the United States

$56.5 billion: Consumer spending at chicken-focused quick-service restaurants over the 12-month period ending in June of 2026, up 5% over the previous year

• 38%: Percentage of frozen chicken prepared at home in an oven, narrowly topping air fryers (37%) as the top preparation method

Adding to chicken tenders’ universal appeal is their ability to be customized with dipping sauces. Recent research on national eating trends found that top menu pairings include ranch (21%), buffalo (18%), honey mustard (17%) and BBQ (7%)12; while at home ketchup (51%) accounts for more than half of the condiment or sauce pairings with chicken tenders.

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Making its nationwide launch following a limited-time test in 2025, the Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches feature maple-flavored waffles, a signature Chick-fil-A filet, three strips of applewood smoked bacon and honey butter spread, served warm with a side of classic syrup. Customers can customize orders with their preferred filet option, choosing Original, Spicy or Grilled options.

The Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches provide diners and take-out customers the freedom to enjoy breakfast-inspired flavors from morning to night. The breakfast sandwich – available during standard breakfast hours from opening until 10:30 AM – features a smaller-sized chicken filet and waffle, while the entrée option for lunch and dinner – available from 10:30 AM to closing time – includes a larger chicken filet and waffle.

“In this year of Newstalgia-inspired celebrations, we wanted to bring something unique this fall by reimagining the comforting flavors our guests crave this time of year, delivering a taste that feels both familiar and new to appeal to all ages,” said Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging for Atlanta, Georgia-headquartered Chick-fil-A. “Both Chicken & Waffles and S’mores are much-loved classics, and we challenged ourselves to bring those flavors to our menu in a playful and unexpected way. After seeing the incredible response and excitement from Guests in our test markets, we couldn’t wait to share these flavors nationwide.”

Throughout 2026, Chick-fil-A is delivering a year of “Newstalgia,” celebrating its 80-year heritage of quality and service. The campaign serves up popular classics alongside fresh new menu twists.

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Offering 16 grams of protein per serving of two 60g patties, the fully cooked frozen sliders feature beef and cheese between vibrantly colored buns. They contain no seed oils and are distributed in 298g five-packs designed for quick preparation straight from the freezer. Priced at $9.99, each box contains a collectible Sugar Factory rubber duck, with rare editions featuring world heavy weight boxing champion, actor and entrepreneur Mike Tyson.

The launch reflects continued momentum around restaurant brands moving into grocery stores, as well as increasing emphasis on visual merchandising and novelty-driven products to stand out in retail freezer aisles. The sliders are positioned as both a convenience item and a branded extension aimed at capturing consumer attention at shelf.

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The rollout follows strong momentum for the product line launch last September, including recognition as Product of the Year winner in the Protein Snack category, a distinction determined by a survey of 40,000 people by Kantar.

Developed with consumer preferences in mind, the expansion reflects a continued focus on delivering choices that taste good, are nutritious, affordable and convenient. Brief descriptions of the new SKUs follow:

• Harissa introduces a modern, globally inspired option influenced by quick-service restaurant trends. Designed with younger consumers in mind, the flavor profile is projected to grow 14% over the next four years, aligning with rising interest in bolder taste experiences.

• Garlic & Herb offers broad appeal, with 83% of consumers saying they love or like the flavor profile. Interest is especially strong among Millennials and the Gen Z demographic, where 84% report high purchase intent.
• BBQ builds on a familiar favorite, with 80% of consumers expressing positive sentiment toward the flavor. Millennials and Zoomers show even higher affinity at 81%. Its balanced blend of grilled and smoky notes makes it a reliable go-to flavor.

Fully cooked and ready to eat after heating, Tyson Chicken Cups provide a convenient solution for consumers looking to save time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

When the first four flavors in the range (Grilled Boneless Chicken Bites, Lightly Breaded Boneless Chicken Bites, Mini Dino Nuggets and Popcorn Chicken Bites) were initially launched last year, Dawnna Bowen, vice president of innovation, stated:

“With the popularity of chicken and consumer demand for portable, protein-rich foods, we needed to find a way to make our products even more accessible throughout the day. There is nothing like the Tyson Chicken Cups on the market. They are designed to provide a delicious and satisfying snack that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles, from the office to the carpool line, and after school activities.”

Americans are increasingly looking for convenient ways to get their protein, with 8 in 10 including it in at least one meal each day. While meat remains the top choice over eggs, dairy and nuts, portable chicken in a cup serves up an efficiency as well as flavor to savor for contemporary consumers.

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“For years, KFC has heard directly from fans clamoring for Popcorn Chicken’s return. We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature – and the message was impossible to ignore,” said Melissa Cash, chief marketing officer of Plano, Texas-headquartered KFC US operations. “As we continue our Kentucky Fried Comeback journey, this menu item return shows our commitment to listening to our most passionate fans by giving them exactly what they’re craving. We’re nodding to nostalgia as we simultaneously modernize the brand and how it shows up throughout the world.”

Available while last, customers get their hands on the crunchy, snackable, dippable product in three ways:

• $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket: Leading the lineup, this abundant 16 oz. offerings is meant to be shared around the table. It comes with four dipping sauces.

• Popcorn Chicken Big Box: This 6 oz. serving of Popcorn Chicken comes with two Original Recipe Tenders, a medium order of fries, medium drink, two dipping sauces and a chocolate chunk cookie for $10.99.

• Popcorn Chicken Combo: 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, a medium order of fries, medium drink and one dipping sauce for $8.49.

In business since 1952, KFC is a subsidiary of Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands. In addition to Finger Lickin’ Good Original Recipe Fried Chicken, Crispy Chicken, nuggets and tenders, the chain’s specialties include the Chicken Sandwiches, KFC Famous Bowls, Pot Pies, Secret Recipe Fries, biscuits and homestyle side dishes. The company has over 30,000 KFC restaurants operating in 150 countries and territories around the world.

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Available in 5-piece, 8-piece, 15-piece and 30-piece counts, the nuggets are served in mini buckets, just like the brand’s popular Chickenjoy fried chicken.

“We are incredibly excited to bring our signature crispy, juicy chicken expertise to Chicken Nuggets,” said Luis Velasco, senior vice president and marketing head of Jollibee operations in North America. “We’re always looking for ways to bring more joy to our guests’ tables, and this launch is the perfect example of how we continue to innovate and elevate fast food favorites.”

Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, which was founded in the Philippines over four decades ago. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 20 brands with over 10,400 restaurants and cafés in 33 countries. In addition to Jollibee, its wholly-owned foodservice businesses include Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan. Franchised restaurant holdings include Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines.

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Launched on June 30, the creative moves through defining moments in the United States – from wartime homecomings and the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 to challenges of the coronavirus pandemic during the “year that the world went quiet” — showing how families continued to gather around the table during it all. Throughout the spot, the dinner table serves as a symbol of connection, continuity and shared experience across generations — traditions Omaha Steaks has been part of for more than a century.

“I’ve always admired the story behind this iconic brand,” said Costner. “The world moves fast and life pulls us in a hundred different directions, but the dinner table is still where family comes together. It’s where we stay connected, where stories are shared, and where memories are made. Those moments are too important to lose. We can’t afford to let family dinner fall through the cracks.”

Founded in 1917 by an immigrant from the then Livonian Goverorate the Russian Empire (now known as Latvia), the fifth generation, family-owned company today markets and distributes a wide variety of high quality USDA-approved, grass-fed, grain-finished beef and other gourmet foods including seafood, pork, poultry, slow cooker and skillet meals, side dishes, appetizers and desserts. All meat products are flash-frozen right after butchering, vacuum-sealed, and delivered directly to consumers in recyclable corrugated coolers packed with either dry ice or non-toxic gel ice packs.

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“Add your favorite toppings and a bun for a tasty chicken sandwich, or pair them with your favorite sides for a lunch meal or quick dinner option,” suggests a Banquet website post. “They contain 13 grams of protein per serving and are great for hearty appetites.”

Chicago, Illinois-headquartered Conagra is ranked as one of North America’s leading branded food companies, with net sales of nearly $12 billion in 2025. In addition to Banquet, its frozen food product portfolio includes Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Alexia and Marie Callender’s brands.

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“As many people speculated that 67 was a code or a cryptic message, our internal audits suggested something much simpler,” stated a Soules Kitchen spokesperson. “It was clearly a cry for high-quality, all-white meat chicken. We are proud to provide 67 with the meaning it has been seeking.”

To ensure the launch met the highest possible standards, the original “67 Kid,” Maverick Trevillian, was hired as the brand’s Head of MEMEs (Mathematical Eats Marketing Executions). He has spent months with Soules Kitchen ensuring that these beaded chicken nuggets aren’t just shaped patties, but a tasty eating experience.

“We anticipate people will say we’re late to the 67 party,” said Trevillian. “We don’t see it that way. In Texas, the party doesn’t start until the good food arrives. So on June 7th – the official 67 day – he nuggets were ready right on time.”

Distributed frozen in 24 oz (680g) packs, the product will be available at Kroger and Aldi retail stores across the USA in July at a suggested retail price of $6.70. High in protein, the nuggets are ready to plate after six to seven minutes of air frying.

“Our 67 Chicken Nuggets are intended to fuel the best part of the day when kids request to pass the ketchup, debate over who gets the last “7,” and enjoy a meal that tastes homemade,” said the Soules Kitchen spokesman. It’s about giving 67 a meaning to make dinner the most delightful time of the day.”

About Soules Foods
Soules Foods is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the #1 producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the U.S.

Established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., the company is now in its second generation of family leadership. In addition to Tyler, Texas, it operates plants in Gainesville, Georgia, and Valley, Alabama that produce a wide variety of products including Street Taco Steak, Fajita Chicken, Philly Chicken, Southern Style Chicken Bites and Backyard BBQ Chicken.

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