KFC red-faced over black

The KFC outlet near Eden Park. Photo / Doug Sherring

KFC has undergone a dramatic brand transformation by painting one of its stores black and white. But those believing it's supporting the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup could be wrong.

KFC spokesperson Jo Bell said Auckland's Balmoral store, 2km from Eden Park, was stripped of its usual red and white colours to promote Mountain Dew's drink, Pitch Black.

"The new paint job covering the store's exterior took workers two days to complete behind a specially erected tarp," Bell said. "The store's new black and white look is to mark the in-store launch of the grape-citrus flavoured drink."

She confirmed it was the only outlet in New Zealand to receive the makeover but declined to comment on any implied connection with the All Blacks.

NZ Marketing Magazine editor Ben Fahy said it was an obvious tie to the All Blacks without stepping on the toes of New Zealand Rugby Union and their official sponsors.

"Some call it sneaky, some call it savvy. They have officially pegged Mountain Dew, strangely for only one restaurant, which has never been done before for their drinks - so you have to be a bit suspicious," Fahy said.

He said the company had neatly slipped past legislation about non-sponsors leveraging off the All Blacks.