Co-op groceries will be available for through Just Eat next year as part of the Co-op’s strategy of fast online expansion both through its own website and through delivery partners.
The Co-op expects to be selling on Just Eat from 1,000 stores as early as the spring, after a deal was signed this week. The tie-up will mean that shoppers can order on the Just Eat app or website for delivery from the grocer in as little as 30 minutes – or less.
Chris Conway, ecommerce director at Co-op, says: “Co-op stores are well placed in local communities to provide quick, easy and convenient home deliveries – whether a full shop or last-minute top-ups. We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to our products and services and, with our members and customers leading busy lives, ease, speed and convenience is a cornerstone of our approach.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Just Eat, a move which will enable Co-op to ‘deliver’ further flexible options online with increased choice and availability in our communities, however and whenever our customers choose to shop with us.”
Co-op’s online business has expanded from a standing start in 2019, rolling out through its own website and through strategic partners, from Deliveroo, Uber Eats to Amazon Prime and Starship Technologies’ delivery robots to, now, Just Eat. Its stores act as micro-distribution hubs in the community, fulfilling online orders at the same time as serving customers face-to-face in a way that promises quick convenience, whether customers buy online or in-store.
Co-op also partners with Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Amazon (Prime) – last month Co-op expanded autonomous delivery by robot in Cambridge and Leeds.
Amy Heather, strategic accounts director, Just Eat UK, says: “The partnership will bring our customers access to a wide range of fantastic Co-op products delivered to their home within minutes. This partnership is another example of Just Eat’s commitment to grocery in the UK and we know that Co-op will be a popular addition for our customers.”
Just Eat boasts being the UK’s largest food delivery platform, which can deliver to 70% of UK households. It already works with more than 30,000 grocery and convenience stores around the world, including Getir, Asda, Ahold, Carrefour, Booker, Spar, Shell and 7-Eleven.
Delivery consolidation
While more grocery retailers are delivering through fast delivery partners such as Just Eat, there’s also consolation within a market that expanded quickly in the wake of the pandemic. Last week ultrafast delivery service Getir bought Gorillas, as reported by InternetRetailing sister website DeliveryX. At the time Getir founder Nazim Salur was confident that demand will continue. “Markets go up and down, but consumers love our service and convenience is here to stay. The super fast grocery delivery industry will steadily grow for many years to come and Getir will lead this category it created seven years ago.”
