Domino’s Recruiting Reindeer For Winter Pizza Delivery In Japan

Updated on November 23, 2016: Domino’s Japan updates status on pizza delivery by reindeer with release of new reindeer training video.

Taking a page directly out of Santa’s playbook, Domino’s Pizza in Japan is exploring the idea of recruiting reindeer for winter pizza delivery – due to the very real possibility an unusually severe winter.

Japan’s meteorological agency is forecasting a particularly cold winter this year, accompanied by heavy snowfall due to the same La Niña phenomenon that brought record high temperatures to various parts of Japan over the summer, Domino’s said in press release. In response to the threat, Domino’s Japan developed a pizza delivery action plan.

Pizza Delivery Action Plan

According to the action plan, Domino’s assessed their delivery options, including purchasing SUVs and snowmobiles. However, those options proved to be either too expensive or incompatible with Domino’s strict delivery requirements. Reindeer on the other hand, offered high pizza carrying capacity with the capability of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. They also offer a fantastic PR opportunity.

Currently we are making final adjustments on safety and operation under the guidance of breeders at Hokkaido Delivery Integrated Research Center for full-scale introduction starting in December.

Domino’s Japan Releases Reindeer Training Video

Domino’s Japan updates pizza delivery by reindeer status with the release of a new reindeer training video.

Just a PR Stunt?

Remember, this is the same company that brought us pizza delivery by drone, and the ‘world’s first’ self-driving pizza delivery robot.

Domino’s said they plan to provide their next update on pizza delivery by reindeer on December 1. Stay tuned!

Images – Domino’s Japan