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30th Oct 2023

KFC ditches Deliveroo and sends a final ‘cluck you’

Jack Peat

The chicken chain has waved a finger-lickin’ good-bye to Deliveroo

KFC sent a final ‘cluck you’ to Deliveroo after announcing it will no longer be using the delivery outfit to fulfil orders.

The Colonel is reported to be chasing ‘better commercials’ as it moved to focus its efforts on Uber Eats and Just Eat, which offer better value for money for punters.

A recent Which? investigation found buying a meal on Deliveroo costs an average of 31 per cent more per order than going direct to the restaurant, whereas Uber Eats was only 25 per cent more expensive and Just Eat was considerably lower at 7 per cent.

The single most expensive order was a “£43.94 Deliveroo takeaway from a burrito and taco restaurant, which cost 44 per cent (£12.29) more than ordering directly from the restaurant”, Which? said.

The group added: “Even before adding delivery and service charges, the cost of the food was 26 per cent (£8.30) more.”

Why the move?

Aside from the aforementioned costs, speculation over the high-profile split has been rife on social media, with one person on Reddit speculating that the chicken could have proved too finger-lickin’ good for some riders.

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Recent news reports add some credence to the allegations, with one dad left infuriated after his £36 mega deal from KFC, which includes 30 pieces of chicken, turned up at his house with three pieces and some “burnt scraps.”

However, there’s no evidence to suggest the issue is more widespread than that.

Parting shots

Punters have also been quick to spot a nationwide marketing campaign rolled out by KFC in an apparent ‘cluck you’ to the delivery company.

KFC has also been posting the ‘Deliverwho?’ jibes across their social media channels, pointing their customers in the direction of Just Eat and Uber Eats to get their chicken fill.

A Deliveroo spokesperson said: “Deliveroo’s focus is providing great value on our platform and partnering with restaurants and grocers who share the same outlook. We were pleased to be able to offer KFC the opportunity to bring down commission rates by improving their service for our shared consumers. We regret that KFC has refused to agree to these terms at this time.

“We will continue to invest in promotions for consumers and will work with our restaurant and grocery partners to ensure they’re offering consumers excellent value and great service. With thousands of incredible chicken restaurants on Deliveroo including many that are only available on Deliveroo there’s a huge selection for people to choose from.”

Freebie Friday

On the back of the news, Just Eat has announced a host of deals for KFC fans craving southern fried chicken delivered to the door.

The food delivery app is giving away vouchers to enjoy £3 off your next KFC order for a limited period which can be redeemed by using CLUCKINGOOD3 at the checkout.

KFC will also be joining Just Eat’s recently launched ‘Freebie Friday’ promotion, which gives away a free item every time customers place an order from participating restaurants and supermarkets, and minimum spend is met.

Those who order from KFC will get a free Regular Popcorn Chicken when they place an order over £21 on Fridays.

What’s more, KFC fans in London can also get their meal delivered for free, which will be welcome news for cash-strapped wallets.

Full list of deals

Other freebies up for grabs in ‘Freebie Friday’ include Dough Balls from PizzaExpress, The Breakfast Club Hashbrowns, LEON Waffle Fries, Franco Manca Garlic Bread with Mozzarella, Burger King Chilli Cheese Bites, The Real Greek Halloumi Fries, and Krispy Kreme Doughnut Bites, plus many more free items from popular restaurants, locally-loved independents and supermarkets.

Just Eat customers can add the free item when the minimum spend is met. Order directly through the Just Eat app, or online.

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