Amazon set to ramp up online grocery delivery efforts in 2022

Amazon is planning to launch a new grocery delivery service in the US next year and expand its current offering in Europe, according to a report by The Information. 

While the e-commerce giant has been making deliveries through Whole Foods and from Amazon warehouses for a number of years, this latest move brings in third-party retailers, supermarkets and vendors. 

In the UK, Prime subscribers are already able to order same-day deliveries of groceries from Morrisons and Co-op, using the Amazon app and website.

Amazon didn't respond to a request for comment, but a spokesperson told The Information that "partnerships with other grocers enable more customers to shop online and allow us to provide Amazon Prime members with more choice, value and convenience." 

Grocery stores

Amazon UK is planning to open more than 260 Amazon Fresh grocery stores before the end of 2024.

These will be all cashierless, tapping the company’s Just Walk Out technology, it said in internal documents, according to a Business Insider report.

These state: “In 2022, we assume a broader roll-out of two store launches per week by the end of [the] year, targeting 60 total openings.” 

“In 2023 and 2024, we are planning 100 store launches per year, in line with more aggressive opening programmes achieved by convenience stores in the UK in the last five years, Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Co-op have all exceeded 100 openings per year.”

Amazon, which has poached Tony Hoggett from Tesco to head up its international stores arm, is also reportedly looking to open a number of locations in Germany, Spain and Italy next year.

A spokesperson told RTIH: "We don't comment on rumours or speculation."