KFC Reverts to Former Delivery Partner to End Chicken Shortage

• Hundreds of stores were forced to close after running out of chicken
• Problems came after they switched from Bidvest to DHL
• DHL was unprepared for the switch

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, which KFC used to use for deliveries, has stepped in to help, after the new delivery company DHL had massive issues with its delivery hub.

A KFC spokesperson said, “Our main focus remains on ensuring our customers can enjoy our chicken without further disruption.

“With that 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 had 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% or our 900 restaurants are now open for business, although there will be some limited menus before we are back to business as usual.”

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

Yet despite having months to plan for taking over the contract, DHL was understaffed and unprepared, which les to the chicken shortage in KFC restaurants.

The delivery problems come from the depot in Rugby, where there were issues with how the chicken is stored and the accessibility.

One driver reported having to throw away a truck load of chicken because the temperature in the lorry was set wrong.

Another driver said that they had to wait seven hours to get their load from the depot, and said it was due to a lack of training and preparation of staff.

KFC managed to re-open most of the restaurants after the problem started, but with a limited menu.

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

Paul Whyte, business unit director at Bidvest, 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.”

At the time, chicken lovers took to social media to vent their frustrations.

Ant on Twitter said, “Need to find out when my KFC is going to re-open, at this rate I’ll have to travel 49 miles just for chicken.”

Another user, Jonathan, said, “So KFC has run out of chicken- this is how the apocalypse starts.”

Chicken fans will be in luck this summer though, as the first ever chicken nugget festival will be taking place in the UK.