Tesco is partnering with Gorillas, an “ultra-fast” delivery company that allows shoppers to pick up certain groceries in a matter of minutes.
As part of a pilot program, certain Tesco products will now be available for purchase via the Gorillas app. They will then be ‘immediately delivered’ to customers in a select area near its Thornton Heath shop in Croydon.
Customers will need to set up their own Gorillas account to use the service and a delivery charge of £1.80 will be added to the order.
Speedy delivery: Tesco is working with an ‘ultra-fast’ delivery group called Gorillas to enable shoppers to get certain groceries in just 10 minutes
Gorillas will establish micro-fulfilment sites at five Tesco big stores. Staff from the fast delivery company will pick, pack, and deliver to customers ‘in the same time it takes for the oven to heat’.
Tesco said that the location of all participating shops in the pilot will soon be known.
The chain’s Thornton Heath Tesco store will be used as a warehouse. It will stock around 2,000 products.
Tesco claimed that the service can be used for last minute needs such as forgotten milk or nappies, and dinner for the evening.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK & ROI chief executive, said: ‘The idea that we can reach our customers in just ten minutes is really exciting.
“We are committed to being the most convenient choice for customers, enabling them shop whenever and wherever they want.
Expansion: Rapid delivery group Gorillas has ambitious expansion plans
“This pilot with Gorillas will enable customers to get their products immediately, supporting those who need food for tonight or last-minute forgotten items. We look forward hearing from our customers.
Tesco introduced ‘Tesco Whoosh” earlier this year. This is a 60-minute grocery delivery that can be delivered to approximately 50 Express stores. This service is expected to be available at 100 stores by year’s end.
Adrian Frenzel, Gorillas’ chief operating officer, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be announcing this first-of-its-kind commercial and real estate partnership with Tesco.
“As a fast-paced company in the forefront of the on-demand grocery industry, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve our business. This co-location partnership will bring unprecedented benefit to our customers in the UK, who will now be able to receive the best of Tesco within minutes through Gorillas.
Tesco said it delivered to 99.8 per cent of UK postcodes, with over 400 ‘Click & Collect’ locations.
Rival: Morrisons products can be ordered via Deliveroo in certain areas. Deliveroo delivers groceries to your door in as little 30 minutes
A number of other supermarkets with big names have also launched fast delivery services for shoppers who need it quickly.
Sainsbury’s delivers groceries to certain areas within one hour. The minimum spend is £15 and a £4.99 delivery fee applies.
Co-op has a partnership with Deliveroo, which allows shoppers to get their groceries delivered in as little as 30 minutes. Unless shoppers are part the ‘Deliveroo+’ scheme, there is a minimum order and delivery fee.
Asda partnered last year with Uber Eats to allow shoppers to have their items delivered within 30 minutes. The service is available from around 100 Asda stores, with delivery costing around £3.99 in addition to a service fee of 10 per cent of the order cost charged.
Deliveroo can deliver Morrisons products in certain areas. It takes as little as 30 minutes to get groceries to your door.
There are around 200 items available, with delivery costing £4.99, unless a shopper has Deliveroo Plus. There is also a small service charge.