KFC to "revolutionise" UK food service supply chain with DHL and QSL appointment

KFC has appointed DHL and QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products, packaging and consumables for over 850 restaurants throughout the UK, as part of its ambition to “revolutionise the UK food service distribution market”.

 For the first time, DHL is partnering with specialist food service logistics provider QSL to deliver a bespoke service tailored to the unique needs of KFC.

DHL will manage the physical warehouse and distribution service, putting greater focus on innovation, quality and service performance.

Key areas of focus will be reducing logistics-related emissions to net zero over the life of the contract, optimised delivery scheduling to provide a faster turnaround of orders, and greater integrity of food during transportation allowing for even fresher products upon arrival in KFC restaurants.

Having partnered with KFC across Europe since 2011, food logistics specialist QSL brings its expertise in the quick service restaurant sector to the UK in the form of crucial demand planning and stock management, with dedicated IT solutions.

QSL will also manage operational purchasing for KFC as well as accounting for its operations.

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“To date there has been little variation in food service logistics but we have specifically chosen DHL and QSL for their reputation for innovation in logistics across other industries,” said Jens Hentschel, Supply Chain Director for KFC.

“Our mission is to deliver outstanding products to our consumers in all we do and the supply chain plays a fundamental part in this. We are rethinking all of our internal and external processes, and placing distribution and logistics at the heart of our new supply chain strategy.

John Boulter, Managing Director of Retail, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, added: “We’re delighted to be delivering a truly unique proposition for KFC, geared to the specific needs of the business.

"We intend to re-write the rule book and create a stock management, distribution and reverse logistics model based on best practice from a range of sectors including food service logistics. This model will support KFC in its ambition to be market-leading in all that it does, while improving service levels to its restaurants and customers.”