KFC returns to Bidvest after chicken shortage crisis

KFC has made a dramatic u-turn after its recent chicken crisis by signing a new long-term deal with Bidvest Logistics – the company that its lost distriubtion contract with the fast-food chain last year.

Bidvest Logistics said it was “delighted” to have signed the agreement that will see the firm deliver supplies supply to up to 350 of their restaurants in the North of the UK, from 26th March 2018.

Paul Whyte at Bidvest Logistics commented: “We are delighted to welcome KFC back to Bidvest Logistics. As the UK’s leading foodservice logistics specialist we understand the complexities of delivering fresh chicken. KFC is a valued customer and we will provide them with a seamless return to our network.”

Bidvest had previously supplied KFC’s 900 restaurants in the UK with produce but lost the contract to DHL when it was put out to tender last year.

But the new partnership made national headlines in February when KFC was forced to shutter hundreds of restaurants after its new distributor was unable to deliver enough chicken from its Rugby distribution centre.

SEE ALSO:

• What KFC’s chicken shortage teaches us about effective supplier sourcing

• Expert reaction: KFC supply chain crisis could have been avoided

• Read the March issue of Supply Chain Digital here

In a statement, KFC 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.”

DHL said it “remained committed” to delivering excellent service to the remaining 550 KFC restaurants across the UK.