UK-based supermarket chain Waitrose is reportedly considering entering a third-party deal with e-commerce giant Amazon to sell groceries online.

The Telegraph, who initially reported the news, said that the two parties were discussing a partnership, which is said to be similar to the one Amazon signed with retailer Iceland last month.

Iceland and Amazon struck a deal through which Prime customers will have access to thousands of products from Iceland stores.

The “Iceland on Amazon” service will initially be available in some areas of Greater Manchester, with plans to expand elsewhere in the coming months.

Waitrose, which has been doing business online through Waitrose.com, previously had a supply agreement with Ocado.

The agreement, which came into effect in 2000, saw the retailer supply Ocado with both branded and own-label products. The deal ended in September 2020.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Since then, the UK group has partnered with various partners for rapid food delivery.

In July this year, the retailer also signed a multi-year partnership with food delivery platform Uber Eats for grocery delivery service in the UK. It also partnered with grocery delivery service provider Deliveroo.

Bloomberg recently reported that Waitrose owner John Lewis Partnership (JLP) planned to raise at least £150m ($183m) from the sale and leaseback of 12 Waitrose supermarkets.

Amazon also has third-party agreements with major retailers such as Co-op and Morrisons, to sell their groceries on its website.

The e-commerce major first ventured into the UK grocery sector in 2016 with the launch of the online delivery service Amazon Fresh.

Last month, the retailer opened a new Amazon Fresh store on London’s Liverpool Street.