The Retail Managing Director of DHL has apologised for the ongoing supply chain problems at chicken shop chain KFC. John Boulter said of the problem, “we are committed to step-by-step improvements to allow KFC to re-open its stores over the coming days”.

After the nationwide food and packaging supplies problem broke out over the weekend, hundreds of KFC restaurants remained closed today as a result of the delays. The fast food chain has been publishing a list of stores that have been open on its website.

Boulter said: “DHL regrets the interruption of supply and is working diligently to rectify the situation by working with KFC and other partners involved in the supply chain.

“The reasons for this unforeseen interruption of this complex service are being worked on with a goal to return to normal service levels as soon as possible. With the help of our partner QSL, we are committed to step by step improvements to allow KFC to re-open its stores over the coming days.

“While we are not the only party responsible for the supply chain to KFC, we do apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused to KFC and their customers by this incident.”

While the supply chain problems only surfaced for this public this weekend, the GMB union (which has many members working for Bidvest Logistics that lost its contract to DHL) claims that KFC knew of the problems some weeks ago.

GMB national officer Mick Rix told The Guardian that the union would like KFC to go back to Bidvest.