KFC has stripped DHL Supply Chain of some of its supply chain and distribution work, returning to previous incumbent Bidvest Logistics after the operator’s failure to deliver.

In a statement today Bidvest Logistics said that it was delighted to confirm it had signed a long-term agreement with KFC UK & Ireland to provide renewed supply to up to 350 restaurants in the North of the UK, from 26th March 2018.

Paul Whyte, business unit director at Bidvest Logistics, said: “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.”

A spokeswoman for Bidvest Logistics added that the work would be handled from its Royton depot. "We are contacting past employees and would be delighted to be able to re-employ previous team members wherever possible," she said.

DHL Supply Chain apologised for the situation last month, which saw around two-thirds of KFC’s 900 UK stores temporarily close and the supply story go international.

Speaking in February, the operator's MD retail John Boulter said: “DHL regrets the interruption of supply and is working diligently to rectify the situation by working with KFC and other partners involved in the supply chain.

"The reasons for this unforeseen interruption of this complex service are being worked on with a goal to return to normal service levels as soon as possible.

"Whilst we are not the only party responsible for the supply chain to KFC, we do apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused to KFC and their customers by this incident.”

However, the GMB union has described the fast food chain’s decision to switch from Bidvest to DHL, which affected some of its members, as a penny pinching move that had backfired.

GMB national officer Mick Rix said last month: "We tried to warn KFC this decision would have consequences – well now the chickens are coming home to roost.

“Bidvest are specialists – a food distribution firm with years of experience. DHL are scratching around for any work they can get, and undercut them.”

DHL Supply Chain announced in October of last year that along with Quick Serve Logistics it would manage KFC’s supply chain as part of a "groundbreaking" new transport strategy.

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