Christmas volumes are already up more than 5% on the previous year, according the latest forecast from DHL Supply Chain.
Distribution centres are processing millions of orders right through to the New Year, some individually despatching over 5 million products each week. E-commerce orders continue to surge with over 5 million online orders placed during December.
DHL will deliver 1.5 million Christmas puddings and almost 2 million party packs for Iceland, alongside 2 million frozen turkeys, meal joints and salmon for DHL's food retailers. Publicans are expected to see the benefits of a Christmas boom too, with increased volumes of drinks being delivered to JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK.
Smaller retailers will also see the benefits as Christmas draws nearer. DHL will be delivering 96,000 loaves of bread to Nisa over the Christmas season as convenience stores gear up for top-up shoppers purchasing milk and bread locally, rather than making the trip to larger grocers.
John Boulter, Managing Director for Retail at DHL Supply Chain, commented: "Our supply chain figures reflect what is gearing up to be a bountiful Christmas. DHL has been planning for the festive season since January, and there has been significant investment in our ability to successfully manage cross channel for online and multichannel customers. Our data and expertise will ensure there are no empty stockings and shelves this year".