KFC UK and Ireland (UK&I) has partnered with Uber Direct to facilitate fast order deliveries to its customers, Retail Technology Innovation Hub has reported.

Orders placed by the customers via the KFC app will make use of the same technology and courier network that powers Uber Eats.

KFC UK&I retail director Dhiren Karnani was quoted by Retail Technology Innovation Hub as saying: “Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals for the growth of our KFC delivery channel and we are thrilled to be partnering with Uber Direct to achieve these.

“Our priority is to provide KFC customers and our restaurant teams with the best possible KFC delivery experience, all made possible by reliable in-app functionality and distinctively KFC features, while delivered at a consistently high standard.” 

White-label delivery solution Uber Direct provides customers with real-time tracking of deliveries from their local restaurant to their delivery address.

The service has already begun to be rolled out in the two regions. All of KFC’s 916 stores across the UK and Ireland will be moved exclusively for their app orders by January 2024.

Uber Direct head Caroline Varga stated: “We’re proud to help KFC provide the best possible delivery service to its customers. Our technology and network mean the brand can offer speed and convenience, as well as the ability for its customers to track delivery progress in real-time.

“Uber Direct enables global restaurant brands such as KFC - as well as grocers and retailers - to deliver food and goods on-demand from their stores, through their own branded website or app.”

In February 2023, KFC UK&I unveiled plans to open 300 new restaurants in the region over the next five years. It also announced the opening of its 1,000th restaurant in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

KFC's expansion plan is backed by a major investment in its staff. It has a current workforce of 27,000 in the two regions.