Waitrose is continuing to grow its presence in the on-demand grocery channel via a new partnership with Uber Eats.
Launched on the Uber Eats platform, initially from five Waitrose stores in London, the service will allow shoppers to order groceries from the supermarket for delivery in as little as 20 minutes. Roll out to more than 200 stores, including outlets in Wales and Scotland, is planned by the end of August.
Despite signs that some consumers are shunning more expensive rapid delivery services during the cost of living crisis, Uber Eats has seen gross bookings from supermarkets on its platform increase by almost 60% in the first quarter of the year compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Waitrose, which already has a partnership with Deliveroo, has seen young consumers help grow on-demand grocery orders by 40% compared with the previous year.
James Bailey, Executive Director for Waitrose, said: “On-demand grocery shopping continues to grow in popularity with our customers, and partnering with Uber Eats means we have even more flexibility to be there for them whenever they need us.”
Uber Eats already partners with Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, the Co-op and Iceland. Commenting on the Waitrose deal, its Head of Commerce, Alex Troughton, said: “Our partnership is the ultimate in modern-day food shopping, combining the benefits of technology, convenience and speed with premium quality and huge product choice. It is the latest step in Uber Eats’ mission to help customers get anything they want, in a matter of minutes, at the touch of a button.”
