USA- Albertsons Companies Limited, one of the world’s largest grocery chains, has announced an extension of its partnership with the grocery tech company Instacart in a move meant to pick up the pace of its e-commerce grocery wing.
The two companies will launch the Instacart pick up service and Albertons Rapid service as part of this partnership extension.
Pickups via the Instacart App will be made available in more than 2,000 locations throughout the US by the end of August.
The two companies also revealed the customers can select the Rapid service via the Instacart-enabled virtual convenience store to order snacks, prepared foods and groceries, with deliveries expected to take half an hour or less. The rapid service will cost US$2.99 for every order and will be free for Instacart plus members.
The two companies have welcomed the move, reiterating the expansion of their collaboration is a reflection of the evolving needs and preferences in the grocery market.
Stephen Menaquale, Albertsons Companies’ Senior Vice President of e-commerce and Fulfillment, said, “By expanding our partnership with Instacart to offer pickup services through the Instacart app, we are offering customers another channel to fulfill their shopping needs. With Instacart pickup services, we are providing a convenient solution for grocery shopping that fits into their busy lives.”
Added Ryan Hamburger, Instacart’s Vice President of Retail Partnerships, said, “By introducing Albertsons Rapid, extending Instacart pickup services to more than 2,000 locations and adding Haggen for same-day delivery, we’re ensuring that customers enjoy an even faster, more flexible and effortless shopping experience.”
Market analysts have hailed the partnership extension, describing it as a unique opportunity for the leading grocer to contribute to the growth of the e-grocery market. It is likely that the partnership extension and the enhanced e-grocery services will have a ripple effect on other players.
According to Verified Market Research, the US e-grocery market was valued at US$32.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.31% from 2024 to 2030. The market is expected to cross the US$65.5 billion valuation mark by 2030.
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