KFC reverts to original distributor after fiasco forced hundreds of UK store closures

KFC was forced to close hundreds of its UK restaurants after a new supply deal went wrong. Photo / 123RF

KFC has reappointed its former chicken distributor after a botched delivery deal with DHL forced it to temporary close hundreds of restaurants last month.

Bidvest Logistics lost out as the contract was put out to tender last year but this week announced it had inked a long-term deal to supply 350 outlets in the north of the UK, according to the Daily Telegraph.

KFC had boasted the tie-up with DHL and its software provider QSL would "deliver a new level of service" when it was announced in November, while DHL claimed it would "re-write the rule book".

But the fast food chain had to close many of its stores for several days and offer a stripped back menu at others after "operational issues" at DHL's Rugby depot meant the chicken they needed failed to arrive.

Bidvest's Paul Whyte said it was "delighted" to be working with KFC again.

He added: "As the UK's leading food service 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."

KFC said it had been "working hard" to resolve the situation and that the deal with Bidvest would take the pressure off the congested depot "to help get our restaurants back to normal as quickly as possible".

Around 97 per cent of its restaurants are now open again but some still have limited menus.