KFC returns to its former delivery contractor Bidvest

KFC has returned to its former delivery contractor to supply chicken to 350 of its restaurants after hundreds were forced to close last month.

Bidvest Logistics lost its KFC contract to DHL, whose issues with its delivery hub sparked chicken shortages across the country and the vast majority of restaurants shut at one stage.

DHL announced in November that it had been appointed alongside QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products and packaging for more than 850 KFC restaurants throughout the UK.

On Thursday, Bidvest said it was ‘delighted’ to confirm it had signed a new long-term agreement with KFC UK & Ireland to supply 350 restaurants across northern England and Wales.

Its business unit director, Paul Whyte, said: ‘As the UK’s leading food service logistics specialist, we understand the complexities of delivering fresh chicken.

‘KFC are a valued customer and we will provide them with a seamless return to our network.’

A KFC spokesman said: ‘Our focus remains on ensuring our customers can enjoy our chicken without further disruption.

‘With that in mind, the decision has been taken in conjunction with QSL and DHL to revert the distribution contract for up to 350 of our restaurants in the north of the UK back to Bidvest Logistics.

‘We’ve been working hard to resolve the present situation with QSL and DHL.

‘This decision will ease pressure at DHL’s Rugby depot, to help get our restaurants back to normal as quickly as possible.

‘As it stands, over 97% of our 900 restaurants are now open for business, although there will be some limited menus before we are back to business as usual.’ 

On Thursday, Bidvest said it was ‘delighted’ to confirm it had signed a new long-term agreement with KFC UK & Ireland to supply 350 restaurants across northern England and Wales