Waitrose is partnering with the nation’s biggest delivery network Just Eat on a multi-year deal to expand its presence in the on-demand grocery and convenience sectors.
In the coming weeks, millions of Just Eat customers will be able to order their favourite food and drink to be delivered in 30 minutes or less from [229] Waitrose locations across the UK. Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Stirling are among the locations the partnership went live in this week.
The collaboration comes as Waitrose has seen 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 customers. More than one million Brits now regularly get their groceries delivered by Just Eat – with the network delivering 12 grocery orders to customer’s doors every minute last year alone.
Just Eat customers will be able to order from thousands of items, including the revamped premium range Waitrose No. 1 and essential Waitrose – the biggest value tier of any supermarket – which doesn’t compromise on quality, taste and animal welfare.
In addition, Waitrose Duchy Organic, fresh ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, British brands including Gail’s Bakery and Deliciously Ella, plus award-winning wines, beers and spirits, will all be available. Later this year, customers will be able to choose from more than 550 Waitrose Christmas products, including 175 new festive treats for 2024.
Waitrose recently confirmed plans to open up to 100 convenience shops across the UK in the next five years to add to more than 90 Shell forecourt shops it supplies and a franchise agreement for shops in 27 Welcome Break motorway service areas.
Claire Pointon, managing director for the UK and Ireland at Just Eat, said: “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.”
Waitrose executive director, James Bailey, said: “As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food – and rightfully so. Neither show signs of slowing and that is a huge opportunity for us. Partnering with Just Eat allows us to reach even more customers who want to be confident they are getting the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food.”
The news follows Just Eat’s recent exciting partnership announcements in the UK and globally, including Boots, Cardfactory, Lovehoney and HelloFresh – demonstrating consumer appetite for convenience for a variety of products and moments.
