Waitrose creates up to 400 jobs with new Deliveroo deal

Supermarket chain to expand partnership to make Waitrose products ‘more convenient than ever before’

The chain said it will have expanded to 150 new sites by the end of the summer (Reuters)

Waitrose’s partnership with Deliveroo will be expanded after a “successful” trial, a move that will create up to 400 jobs across the country.

The supermarket chain said it will expand the service by almost four times in as many locations, increasing the number of Waitrose outlets on Deliveroo by 110 to 150 in response to positive demand.

Owned by John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose has rapidly expanded its online delivery capabilities over the past year as the pandemic sent demand for delivery services skyrocketing. It also ended its lengthy partnership with Ocado.

The chain said it will have expanded to these 150 new sites by “the end of the summer” and will be able to serve around 13 million people.

Customers ordering on Deliveroo will be able to order from a range of between 750 and 1,000 products, which will arrive at their doorsteps in as little as 20 minutes, it said.

The partnership began last September as a five-store trial, which was expanded to cover 40 sites.

The latest move will create up to 400 Waitrose roles to fulfil orders ready to be collected and delivered by Deliveroo.

James Bailey, executive director at Waitrose, said: “We have grown our online business at pace in the last year, responding to huge demand for online groceries and offering more choice in when and how people want to shop with us.

“We know convenience is key for many of our customers, and the expansion of the service with Deliveroo will play an integral role in helping us make Waitrose food more convenient than ever before.”

Carlo Mocci, chief business officer UK and Ireland at Deliveroo, said: “We are delighted to announce a two-year partnership with Waitrose, alongside a nationwide expansion to 150 stores.

“Waitrose is one of the most respected and loved British companies and we are proud to expand the extremely popular Waitrose service on Deliveroo.

“As we expand further across the country, this partnership will mean more choice and selection for our customers, delivered in as little as 20 minutes, and will create even more work for riders right across the UK.”