KFC warns of supply issues

In a message on Twitter​​, the fast food chain said it wanted to give customers 'a heads up', that it has faced disruption across the country over the past few weeks, 'so things may be a little different when you next visit us'.

The fried chicken chain said there may be some items that aren’t available, or some packaging that may look a bit different to normal. “We know it’s not ideal but we’re working hard to keep things running smoothly,” it said.

It’s not the first time KFC has been hit with supply issues. Back in in early 2018, the business was forced to temporarily close a chunk of its c.900-strong UK estate after delivery problems meant that the group ran out of chicken​​. It followed a switch of its delivery operator from Bidvest to DHL.

The group saw its turnover and profits plunge in 2018 as a result of the logistics fiasco, with profit after tax falling by 27.8% to £129.9m from £171.9m in 2017.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that pubs and restaurants could face beer shortages over the August bank holiday after delivery drivers for logistics firm GXO, which supplies around 40% of the UK hospitality sector’s beer – according to Unite – voted to go on strike.

Responding to the decision, a GXO spokesperson said: "We favour dialogue in all our negotiations. Discussions are ongoing in order to reach agreement, in particular for the hospitality sector that is only now emerging from the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.”