The UK’s third-largest supermarket chain said it will roll out Ocado’s Smart Platform technology across its website and app, in-store picking and its home delivery service as part of a new Asda Ocado partnership
Asda shoppers across London will see a big change next year because the supermarket has teamed up with Ocado. Britain’s third-largest supermarket has confirmed it will use Ocado’s technology for home deliveries from 2027. It will also use the online grocer’s tech for web, click-and-collect and third-party app orders
The first step will be a comprehensive overhaul of Asda’s website and online shopping experience. Ocado software will be used in Asda’s deliveries from stores and “dark stores” – smaller warehouses that are not open to the public – from early 2027, the companies said in an announcement on Friday.
Asda will also use Ocado’s underlying technology to deliver orders placed through other apps such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat and for click and collect services through Asda’s website and apps. 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.”
Mr Leighton, who made his return to the retailer in late 2024 having previously helmed the business over two decades ago, has been focused on boosting product availability and delivering better value through price investment. As recently as March, he acknowledged the supermarket still had “plenty to do” to restore its fortunes.
Asda, which operates approximately 1,100 stores nationwide, will prioritise website and online shopping improvements before tackling in-store product picking solutions and “last-mile delivery” enhancements.
The supermarket stated these measures are intended to help branches handle orders more effectively, streamline deliveries and increase the number of available slots for customers. Ocado’s fulfilment technology operates in over 1,000 grocery outlets worldwide.
Tim Steiner, chief executive of Ocado Group, commented: “We’re delighted that Asda has chosen Ocado to support the next phase of their online growth.
“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.”
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