Waitrose Expands On-Demand Grocery Service Through Just Eat Partnership

Waitrose has announced a strategic partnership with rapid delivery service Just Eat to enhance its presence in the on-demand grocery and convenience sectors. This multi-year deal will enable Just Eat customers to place orders from 229 Waitrose locations across the UK, including cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and Stirling, with delivery times of 30 minutes or less.

The collaboration comes in response to a significant increase in demand, as Waitrose has reported a 140% rise in average weekly on-demand grocery sales during the first six weeks of the year. Additionally, over one million consumers in the UK now regularly receive their groceries through Just Eat, which delivered 12 grocery orders every minute last year.

Customers will have access to thousands of Waitrose products, including items from the revamped premium No.1 range and the value Essential range. Later this year, Just Eat will also offer over 550 Christmas products from Waitrose, featuring 175 new items for 2024.

Waitrose Executive Director James Bailey emphasized the importance of meeting evolving consumer expectations for convenience, stating, “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.”

Just Eat’s UK and Ireland Managing Director Claire Pointon noted that for many consumers, speed has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity. She referenced Just Eat’s research, indicating that three in four people who have ordered on-demand groceries believe it will become a regular part of their lives. Pointon expressed excitement about adding Waitrose to their roster of grocery partners, enhancing the choice and value available to customers.

This partnership aligns with Waitrose’s recent announcement of plans to open up to 100 convenience shops across the UK within the next five years, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its reach in the grocery market.