Tesco announces Gorillas rapid grocery delivery tie up
Tesco is launching a pilot with rapid grocery delivery venture Gorillas.
Starting today, the retailer’s customers will be able to order Tesco products to their doors, within 10 minutes, via the Gorillas app.
The latter will set up micro-fulfilment sites at five large Tesco stores to handle the deliveries.
The first store to be involved in the partnership is in Thornton Heath, London.
“The idea that we can reach our customers in just 10 minutes is really exciting,” says Tesco CEO Jason Tarry.
“We are committed to being easily the most convenient choice for our customers, enabling them to shop whenever and however they want.”
“This pilot will help customers get their products right away, supporting those looking to buy food for tonight or last minute forgotten items. We look forward to hearing what our customers think.”
“The co-location partnership enables both brands to bring their strengths to the table and establish a quicker, higher quality, grocery offering to UK consumers,” says Adrian Frenzel, COO at Gorillas.
“Customers will not only be able to get the best of Tesco within minutes via Gorillas, but will be able to make the most of Tesco’s extraordinary quality range via our app.”
He adds: “We’re incredibly excited to be announcing this pioneering commercial and real estate partnership with Tesco.”
“We have established ourselves as a fast-paced company at the forefront of the on demand grocery industry, whilst Tesco is the leading retailer in the UK and a trusted household name nationally.”
Funding round
Gorillas recently raised close to $1 billion in a Series C funding round.
This was led by Delivery Hero, and included further investments by existing investors Coatue Management, DST Global, Tencent, Atlantic Food Labs, Fifth Wall, Greenoaks, A*, and new backers G Squared, Alanda Capital, Macquarie Capital, MSA Capital and Thrive Capital.
It came seven months after Gorillas bagged $290 million in Series B funding, taking its valuation past the $1 billion mark.
it also closely followed protests over its treatment of delivery riders and warehouse workers, as well as the departure of senior executives, fuelling criticism of Chief Executive Kağan Sümer.
