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Woolworths is adding Uber to its home delivery network and here’s what we know

Posted: 7 May 2020 9:25 am

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The partnership is expected to add thousands more delivery windows, making it easier for customers to get their grocery essentials.

Having previously suspended its delivery services in the wake of COVID-19, Woolworths has announced that it will now be rolling out delivery via Uber across Australia.

The new partnership will see customers given the ability to place their grocery order on the Woolworths site, or through the app, as per normal. Items will then be hand-picked in-store by an assistant and passed on to Uber to fulfil the delivery.

The service has already been rolled out at three Townsville (QLD) stores, with other cities across Australia set to receive it in the coming weeks. While Woolworths is yet to confirm the cost of delivery for orders placed via Uber, it is expected to be the same as Woolworths' regular small vehicle delivery fee.

Woolworths has also now resumed other delivery services in full, after suspending them back in March in an attempt to preserve stock levels. The reinstatement does come with some changes, with all online orders now capped at 40 items and delivered the next day, including those placed through Uber.

The supermarket giant is hoping that its team up with Uber will provide thousands more delivery windows, making it easier for customers to shop.

Woolworths director of ecommerce, Annette Karantoni, said in a statement, "As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it's vital we keep scaling our delivery capacity to meet the essential needs of our communities."

"We see partnerships as an integral part of this effort, and are delighted to team up with Uber to bring the convenience of grocery delivery to even more Australians."

Uber general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Dom Taylor, has also weighed in on the importance of the partnership, saying that it will ensure Australians can access supplies "quickly and without having to leave their house."

To further ensure the safety of both customers and delivery drivers, Woolworths has also joined a number of other businesses offering contact-free delivery.

The partnership with Uber comes after Woolworths announced that it was enlisting last-mile delivery companies Sherpa and Drive Yello to keep up with the home delivery demand. It is hoped that the deals will be mutually beneficial, as both rideshare and courier services have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supermarket rival Coles has also now reinstated its delivery services, while some wholesalers have opened up their supply chains to consumers to help meet the heightened demand for home delivery.