Ocado today reported a double digit sales rise which it said reflected both a consumer shift towards shopping online and its own standards of customer service.
Retail sales, which reflect the online grocer’s own direct business came in at £351.8m in the 16 weeks to November 29, 13% up the same time last year, while gross sales, which also reflect the contribution of its platform and fulfilment operations to Morrisons.com, grew by 15% to £381.6m.
Ocado, a Top100 company in the IRUK Top500, said its business continued to grow as more people shop for their groceries online. But while average orders per week grew by 15.8% to 205,000, average order sizes fell by 2.3% to £107.16, from £109.74 at the same time last year.
Chief executive Tim Steiner said: “We are pleased to report the thirteenth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales growth in what is a challenging and competitive grocery retail environment. Order growth remains strong with average orders per week now exceeding 200,000.
“This reflects the ongoing shift to online grocery shopping and the specific value customers place on Ocado’s leading proposition, offering the highest service levels and widest range. Our basket value declined as we remain competitive by following market moves in pricing.”
