KFC has announced DHL and QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products, packaging and consumables for over 850 restaurants throughout the UK, but says it is also rethinking its entire supply chain as part of it.
DHL will manage the physical warehouse and distribution service for KFC by partnering for the first time with specialist foodservice logistics provider QSL to deliver a bespoke service tailored to the unique needs of KFC.
Key areas of focus will be reducing logistics-related emissions to net zero over the life of the contract, optimized 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.
“To date there has been little variation in foodservice 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. “We are rethinking all of our internal and external processes, and placing distribution and logistics at the heart of our new supply chain strategy. We want to deliver a new level of service to our restaurants and franchise partners, improve the quality of service to our customers and reduce our environmental impact – all to a level that has never been done before. It’s an ambitious plan, but by working closely with our partners DHL and QSL we’re confident that we’ll be able to deliver against our strategic ambitions.”
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 foodservice logistics.”
Image credit: DHL and KFC
