Ocado to Offer Grocery Tech to More Customers After Exclusivity Deals End

Core Insights - Ocado Group is expanding its grocery technology offerings after ending mutual exclusivity arrangements with retailers, including Kroger in the U.S. [1][2] - The company aims to add new partners in various international grocery markets while maintaining existing partnerships [2][3] Group 1: Business Strategy - CEO Tim Steiner stated that Ocado is well-positioned to assist retailers in capturing market share in the rapidly growing online grocery sector [3] - The company's technology includes AI-powered and robotic solutions that provide delivery options such as immediate, same-day, next-day, and click-and-collect [4] Group 2: Market Developments - Ocado has evolved its market-leading solutions over the past five years, broadening its offerings to support retailers at different stages of their online journey [5] - Kroger plans to close three automated customer fulfillment centers (CFCs) in January 2026, while continuing to operate five others and compensating Ocado over $250 million for the closures [6][8] Group 3: Partnerships and Expansion - Ocado continues to support Kroger in optimizing logistics and driving profitable growth at remaining sites, with ongoing discussions about further technology use [7] - The company has launched new CFCs and partnerships globally, including in Poland with Auchan Polska, Spain with Bon Preu, and South Korea with Lotte [9]