Ocado strikes deal to build robotic distribution centres for Coles. Credit: Wpcpey

UK online supermarket Ocado has partnered with Australian supermarket chain Coles Supermarkets to develop the Coles online grocery business in Australia.

The deal will see Coles Supermarkets deploying the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) to build robotic distribution centres (RDCs), in Sydney and Melbourne, within four years.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Coles Online will use the RCDs to deliver customers’ orders in large urban areas across Australia. It will also use Ocado’s store-pick software to serve customers in less populated areas.

Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said: “We are delighted to be partnering with them to make life easier for Coles’ customers here in Australia.

“Ocado’s ongoing investment and retail partnerships around the world will help us continue to improve our offer into the future.”

“Coles is a grocer with a global reputation for innovation and outstanding commitment to their customers.”

The online supermarket will also offer a range of customised support and engineering services to ensure smooth e-commerce operations. Coles will offer certain upfront fees to Ocado after signing the contract and during the development phase.

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.

Ocado CEO Tim Steiner said: “Our unique, proprietary and industry-leading technology is bringing new growth opportunities to retailers around the world and changing the customer experience of grocery shopping.

“Coles is a grocer with a global reputation for innovation and outstanding commitment to their customers, and I am delighted we will be working together in the years to come to reshape the food retail landscape in Australia.”

Coles currently operates 818 supermarkets, 911 liquor stores and 712 Coles Express petrol stations across Australia. The supermarket chain announced its partnership with online marketplace eBay to accelerate online grocery shopping, in Australia, earlier this month.