Tesco this week launched a major expansion of its new one-hour grocery delivery service in central London, as it steps up its battle with Amazon.
Following successful trials, customers can order via the new Tesco Now app, with a limit of a basket of up to 20 items.
It emerged the supermarket was testing the Tesco Now app for customers in zones one and two in London in May, two-and-a-half years after The Grocer first revealed plans for the service.
The range on Tesco Now includes fresh fruit & vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products. Orders will be picked in a local store and delivered to customers via moped within 60 minutes.
Customers will also be able to track their order via the Tesco Now app, receiving live updates on the progress of their order.
Delivery is supplied by independent courier service Quiqup, which already has deals with companies including Whole Foods Market, Burger King and Hungryhouse, and is free of charge while the app is in testing phase.
However, Tesco has also tested delivery via robot, in a tie-up with startup Starship Technologies. It has told Tesco Now customers it is planning a wider rollout later this year.
Tesco Now also comes at a premium cost, with deliveries charged at £7.99, though there is no minimum spend. It will operate from 8am to 11pm on weekdays and 9am to 11pm at weekends.
Tesco’s service is a rival to Amazon’s ‘Prime Now’ offer and other supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, have also been trialling a one-hour home delivery service in London.
Amazon, which also launched its Amazon Fresh service in the UK last year, is increasingly becoming a rival to traditional supermarkets and has put even more pressure on them with its plan to buy Whole Foods Market.
Adrian Letts, online managing director at Tesco, said: “From forgotten essentials to that crucial final ingredient, Tesco Now can get them to our customers’ door within the hour.
“Shoppers’ needs are changing and we want to offer a range of services that allow them to shop with us in a way that suits their needs. We look forward to hearing what they think of the new service.”
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