Yum! Brands has reported a 10 per cent increase in worldwide system sales, excluding foreign currency translation, for the third quarter ended September 30.

The increase was driven by a 6 per cent same-store sales growth and over 1100 gross new stores, said David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands.

“Our twin growth engines, KFC International and Taco Bell US, led the way, with KFC showing broad-based strength across both developed and emerging markets.”

By division, KFC’s system sales were up 12 per cent, followed by Taco Bell (11 per cent), Pizza Hut (4 per cent), and The Habit Burger Grill (4 per cent).

The company’s GAAP operating profit grew 12 per cent, and core operating profit also increased 16 per cent.

“With our strong year-to-date performance, we continue to expect that our full-year 2023 results will outperform on all aspects of our long-term growth algorithm,” added Gibbs.

Founded in 1997, Yum! Brands has about 1500 franchisees operating more than 55,000 restaurants in over 155 countries and territories.