KFC dramatically returns to Bidvest after logistics debacle

Paul Whyte 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.”

Bidvest lost the contract to DHL, but the incoming logistics provider struggled to cope with the demands of the job.

A spokesperson for DHL said: “We acknowledge KFC’s decision to invite Bidvest Logistics to service its 350 restaurants in the north of the UK. In conjunction with our partners, we remain fully committed to delivering excellent service to KFC‘s remaining 550 restaurants across the UK.”

In late February, KFC closed more than half of its 900 UK outlets after delivery problems meant they ran out of chicken.

Union GMB said it tried to warn KFC that changing 3PL provider from Bidvest to DHL ‘would have consequences’.

The union argued ‘KFC’s penny-pinching decision’ cost 255 distribution jobs.

Mick Rix, GMB national officer said: “Bidvest are specialists – a food distribution firm with years of experience. DHL are scratching around for any work they can get, and undercut them.

“It’s an absolute cock up. KFC are left with hundreds of restaurants closed while DHL try and run the whole operation out of one distribution centre – where conditions are an utter shambles.

“Three weeks ago KFC knew they had made a terrible mistake, but by then it was too late.”

Dr Virginia Spiegler, a senior lecturer in operations and supply chain management at the Kent Business School at the University of Kent said the case highlighted the importance of logistics, which is frequently and unfairly regarded as non-value adding.

She explained: “In the past few years, many companies have taken steps to streamline supply chain processes by reducing holding inventory, outsourcing non-core activities and cutting the number of supplier on the assumption that the market is relatively stable and predictable.

“KFC’s decision to switch their 3PL provider from Bidvest to DHL was a measure to reduce logistics service cost. However, having hundreds of restaurants closed could cost them millions in lost sales and low capacity utilisation. This problem could have been anticipated by comparing Bidvest and DHL capabilities. 

“While Bidvest is specialised in food service distribution and operates a network of distribution centres across the UK, DHL is trying to run the same operation from a single distribution centre. Moreover, it is the first time that DHL is partnering with QSL, who has been providing IT solutions on demand planning and stock management to KFC since 2011. Therefore the alignment between QSL services and DHL physical distribution is also crucial.”