DHL, QSL to work with fast-food chain KFC in foodservice logistics

The three-way partnership will provide foodservice distribution services for over 850 KFC restaurants in the United Kingdom, according to a statement from global parcel carrier and third-party logistics provider Deutsche Post DHL Group.    DHL has partnered with foodservice logistics provider QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products for fast-food chain KFC, the parcel carrier and third-party logistics provider said in a statement.
   The partnership will service over 850 restaurants throughout the United Kingdom, with DHL managing the physical warehouse and distribution service of the operation, and QSL managing operational purchasing and accounting for KFC.
   QSL has been working with KFC since 2011, but now, “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,” the companies said.
   “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. “Our mission is to deliver outstanding products to our consumers in all we do and the supply chain plays a fundamental part in this.
   “We are rethinking all of our internal and external processes, and placing distribution and logistics at the heart of our new supply chain strategy,” said Hentschel. “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 at 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.”