Amid a ramping up of its presence in the convenience channel, Waitrose has agreed a multi-year deal with the on-demand delivery network Just Eat.
In the coming weeks, Just Eat customers will be able to order food and drink to be delivered in 30 minutes or less from 229 Waitrose stores across the UK. The partnership went live this week in cities including Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Manchester.
Waitrose already works with Deliveroo and Uber Eats. The retailer noted that the latest collaboration comes after it saw average weekly on-demand grocery sales increase by 140% in the first six months of the year, helping the retailer to reach a broader range of consumers.
Just Eat customers will be able to order from thousands of Waitrose items, including its No. 1, Essential, Duchy Organic, and Gail’s Bakery ranges.
Waitrose recently outlined plans to open 100 more convenience stores over the next five years as part of a £1bn investment programme for new sites and refurbishments.
Waitrose Executive Director, James Bailey, said: “Partnering with Just Eat and stepping up our plans for new shops allows us to reach even more customers who want the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food. As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food – and that is a huge opportunity for us.”
Claire Pointon. Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Just Eat, added: “Many of today’s consumers no longer consider speed a luxury but a necessity. This is supported by Just Eats’ own research – three in four people who have ordered on-demand groceries believe it will become a part of their daily lives. Just Eat is proud to be leading this change and so we’re thrilled to be adding Waitrose to our list of grocery partners, strengthening the choice and value available for customers on the platform – whenever, and wherever, they need us.”
