UK independent parcel carrier Yodel delivered a record number of food and drinks parcels over Black Friday, with the number of fresh food, wine and drinks deliveries up 86% on 2019, contributing to an overall 20% volume rise.
British consumers are buying more food and drinks online than ever during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. A recent report from Kantar showed that lockdown has permanently changed some consumers’ shopping habits with more than six million households buying from a grocer online, the highest number ever recorded.
In the two weeks across Black Friday, Yodel handed more than 800,000 fresh food, wine and drinks parcels. Fresh food parcels increased by 122%, with over 277,000 passing through the Yodel network. Wine and drinks parcels were up 71% to well over half a million.
The company already said in late November that it had delivered 5.4m fresh food parcels and 6.3m wine and drink packages (80% of the eRetail wine sector) in the last year.
Yodel has gained several delivery contracts from retailers in this sector in recent months, most recently from subscription box specialist BoroughBox. Deliveries are made through the company’s Xpect service, which includes regular delivery updates and a two-hour delivery window.
Peak demand running at +20%
CEO Mike Hancox commented: “The weeks across Black Friday are a peak period for us on any year, but this year the intensity has been dramatically increased by the pandemic. Consumers, keen to benefit from the advantages of doorstep delivery, have triggered a steep rise in demand for online deliveries – and our order book shows that this is particularly the case for food and drink.
“We anticipate that this level of demand will be sustained until Christmas as families prepare for their festivities. We’ve been operating at ‘Peak’ levels since March, with volumes up 20% compared to a ‘normal’ year and are forecasting Christmas 2020 to be another 20% on top of that,” he added.
Hancox stressed: “We know that this Christmas will be extra special for those families who have had to spend time apart this year, so we understand the importance of ensuring that delicate goods are handled with care and delivered on time – with the help of our state-of-the-art handling facilities and our specially trained colleagues.”
New collective labour contract
Meanwhile, the British parcel carrier has confirmed a new, two-year pay deal for its employees following agreement with representatives from the GMB and USDAW unions.
Hancox said: “We are pleased to have finalised a two year pay deal to reward the valued service of our employees. Our people have been exceptional throughout the pandemic – going above and beyond to uphold excellent customer service under tricky circumstances. This deal recognises their sterling work, offering increased pay over two years as we look to a bright and successful 2021 together.”
