KFC Singapore’s collaboration with Mofusand – a popular Japanese cat illustration series – has sparked a wave of “keychain chaos” as fans scramble to secure limited-edition merchandise. 

The campaign launched on January 13 includes cat-themed keychains, sticker packs, and red packets.

However, limited supply and overwhelming demand have led to disappointment among customers and the rise of scalping activity.

The Mofusand cat keychains, priced at US$9.46 (SG$12.95), are available exclusively to customers who purchase a cereal chicken box or cereal chicken burger box, with a new design released weekly over three weeks. Each customer is limited to two keychains per purchase.

Sticker packs are given to customers who spend at least $8.76 (SG$12) on breakfast at KFC’s breakfast stores, while red packets are free with cereal chicken bundle purchases.

KFC said queue tickets would be distributed at 11am on each launch day, with tickets redeemable until 1pm. However, demand has far exceeded supply.

The Straits Times reported that customers began queuing at KFC outlets early in the morning, with some waiting hours only to leave empty-handed.

The coveted cat keychains were found being sold at online marketplace Carousell for up to $36.51 (SG$50) with pre-orders for unreleased designs listed for $29.20 (SG$40). Sticker packs and red packets were also resold, priced at $5.84 (SG$8) and $8.76 (SG$12), respectively.

Facebook user Shi Ting shared her frustration after waiting two hours despite having a queue ticket, stating: “This is totally ridiculous. What’s the point of having the queue ticket?”

In response to complaints, KFC said it will improve the process for the upcoming launches. Customers can try their luck again on January 20 and 27, when the remaining designs are set to be released.