Sustainability is a ‘hot’ topic right now, especially for marketing purposes. But we aren’t talking about the development of new products here; we are talking about businesses that operate within a particular market; with a business model built around a sustainable product.

Take the meat industry for example. Increased demand and limited supply is impacting on the livestock industry, with the environment absorbing most of the impact. It is a concern for all, particularly those in business.  But fear not, chicken has been heroed as the most sustainable form of meat as they consume less feed per kg of meat, require less water, less space and less land.

As far as the environment is concerned, chicken farming is far less harmful to the environment, with beef having 13 times more climate impact than chickens due to the gases emitted during production. According to Worldwatch Institute, global meat production has tripled in the past 40 years.  The downside of this is the potent greenhouse gases released through animal waste – methane and nitrous oxide, which are far more powerful than carbon dioxide.

While sheep and cattle are the biggest culprits when it comes to emissions – and require energy-intensive feed – chickens don’t generate any methane.

Chicken farming can also have a positive impact when it comes to increasing environmental sustainability and economic income.

A study in 2012 indicated the poultry industry has an important role to play in the agricultural challenge of reducing unwanted environmental effects while boosting food supply.

When it comes to assessing the impact of chicken production the best method is to look at the full supply chain, suggests agricultural scientist Stephen Wiedemann.

“The impacts of producing chicken meat are very low,” he says. The Australian chicken meat industry is quite intensive so there’s actually an improvement in the production efficiency and this equates to a lower environmental impact.

Research conducted overseas confirms the good news: poultry production is the most environmentally sustainable (land-based) way to produce quality animal protein for human consumption.

Which is healthier… Red Meat or Chicken?

Red meat is a staple in most people’s diets, but like all good things, consumption must be controlled. What is now prevailing from increased red meat consumption are the associated health defects. Just 130g per day is enough to increase blood pressure, LDL Cholesterol and visceral fat according to reports.

Comparatively chicken is far healthier, with similar proteins to red meat, but without the extra saturated fats, calories, and cholesterols reports the American Heart Association. It’s a good source of essential nutrients and vitamins.

But, what does this have to do with franchising?

When buying a franchise, it is a long term investment; usually between 5-10 years. Therefore when looking at fast food franchises like Red Rooster, the product, brand and business model must be sustainable.

In Australia, chicken is already the most popular meat choice at mealtimes, but as beef prices increase due to limited supply and high demand, chicken is expected to get all the more popular.

This is according to agriculture news source The Land, who says that over the next five years, chicken consumption is tipped to keep rising to around 47kg/capita a year – an increase of 2kg.

But health is still the main concern for consumers, who are more aware than ever about the impact food has on their health. We have seen this trend take off in food retail, as healthy fast food stores and traditional fast food stores change their product offerings to cater to healthy eaters.

However Red Rooster is lucky. They have been serving fresh, roast chicken since 1972, and continue to serve traditional roast dinners today, only with a twist.

Their chickens are fresh, not frozen, and are free from artificial colours, flavours, hormones, and MSG. The cooking process is simple too; just a sprinkle of seasoning and then into the oven to be roasted.

As a fast food franchise, Red Rooster is unique.

By continuing to invest in product innovation, whilst staying true to the origins of their success, Red Rooster have a business model that has proven itself solid, even in times of economic disparity.

Today, Red Rooster operates over 360 stores across Australia and employs more than 7,500 staff.  For them, business isn’t slowing down.

Red Rooster currently have stores available in various locations across Australia with more being added to the network in the coming months.  People just can’t get enough of Red Roosters fresh roast chickens… secure your future with Red Rooster.

For more information on Red Roosters franchise opportunities, or to find out more about the brand, click here.