Popeyes UK bags first rank in FT 1000 ranking of Europe’s fastest growing F&B brands

Popeyes UK secures top spot in the FT 1000, cementing its position as Europe’s fastest-growing food and beverage brand.

The recently released FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies List by the Financial Times ranks Popeyes UK (“Popeyes” or the “Company”) as Europe’s fastest growing food and beverage company. The annual ranking is now in its tenth year, tracking the revenue growth of 1000 businesses across a range of sectors and sizes. Popeye was also recognized for its excellence in business operations and recognized as the second fastest growing business overall. Popeye’s ranking comes in the wake of its rapid upscaling in the UK, with the American multinational chain opening 110 restaurant outlets since its entry in November 2021. During this period, the brand increased its sales from £15m in 2022 to £118m in 2024. The long queues surrounding each restaurant opening are testimony to its immense popularity and universal appeal.

Popeye’s success rests on the back of its product range, with the signature Louisiana chicken being a firm crowd favorite. Its preparation method involves marinating the chicken for 12 hours, followed by hand-breading to create the trademark ‘shatter crunch’. Through targeted expansion in the UK market, Popeyes has employed around 3500 staff and played its role in strengthening the country’s employment scenario.

Reacting to the favorable rankings, Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, commented: We’re incredibly proud to be named the fastest-growing F&B brand in Europe and second fastest growing business overall out of 1,000 companies in the highly accredited FT 1000 ranking. In 2025 alone, the company opened nearly 50 new restaurants and aspires to continue this momentum heading into 2026.