Asda to upgrade eComm fulfilment with Ocado Smart Platform

THE PARTNERSHIP will begin in 2027 with an upgrade to Asda’s website and online shopping experience. This will provide a more stable platform, with improved search, more relevant product recommendations and a simpler checkout process.

This will be followed by new in-store picking and last-mile delivery solutions. These will help stores manage orders more efficiently, improve on-time deliveries and increase available slots by making better use of the existing fleet. Ocado solutions will be rolled out across both stores and dark stores from 2027.

Ocado’s in-store fulfilment solutions are already used in more than 1,000 grocery stores worldwide, with the wider Ocado smart platform supporting around 70 million orders each year.

Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton, said: “We know that continued success in this highly competitive market is dependent on providing a positive experience for customers every time they shop. Partnering with Ocado will strengthen our online offer and provide a consistent and high-quality experience for millions of shoppers, from order through to delivery, while supporting our Formula for Growth.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Asda will retain full control of its customer offer, pricing and online operations. Scheduled home delivery and click and collect orders will continue to be fulfilled from Asda stores and Asda’s existing fulfilment hubs.

Orders placed through rapid delivery partners such as Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats, will be picked by Asda using Ocado’s technology and delivered by the third-party provider.

Ocado Group CEO Tim Steiner, said: “The UK remains one of the world’s most competitive and fast-evolving online grocery markets, where technology, scale and continuous innovation are increasingly important for retailers looking to maintain leadership positions.‍

“Through this partnership, Asda will be able to deploy a technology platform already processing more than 70 million orders annually worldwide, supporting market-leading customer propositions across 11 countries. Asda will also benefit from Ocado’s significantly evolved platform, giving them the flexibility to adapt as the market continues to develop.‍”