Waitrose has partnered with Just Eat in a multi-year deal to expand its reach in the on-demand grocery and convenience sector.

Just Eat customers can now order food and drink for delivery in under 30 minutes from 229 Waitrose locations across the UK, including Birmingham, Glasgow London and Manchester.

This move follows a 140% rise in Waitrose’s weekly on-demand grocery sales during the first half of the year, helping the retailer reach a wider range of customers. According to Waitrose, over a million people in the UK currently use Just Eat for grocery deliveries, with the platform processing 12 orders per minute.

Users will be able to choose from thousands of Waitrose items, including the revamped premium range, Waitrose No. 1 and Essential Waitrose. Popular options such as Waitrose Duchy Organic, fresh ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, along with British brands like Gail's Bakery and Deliciously Ella, will also be available. Additionally, a selection of Waitrose's wines, beers and spirits will be offered through the service.

Later this year, customers will also be able choose from over 550 Waitrose Christmas products, including 175 new festive items for 2024.

Waitrose has also announced plans to open up to 100 convenience stores across the UK over the next five years, adding to its presence at Shell forecourts and Welcome Break service areas.

Waitrose's executive director, James Bailey, said: “Partnering with Just Eat and stepping up our plans for new shops allows us to reach even more customers who want the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food. As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food - and that is a huge opportunity for us.”

Claire Pointon, MD for the UK&I at Just Eat, added: “Many of today’s consumers no longer consider speed a luxury but a necessity. This is supported by Just Eats’ own research – three in four people who have ordered on-demand groceries believe it will become a part of their daily lives. Just Eat is proud to be leading this change and so we’re thrilled to be adding Waitrose to our list of grocery partners, strengthening the choice and value available for customers on the platform – whenever, and wherever, they need us.”

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