Uber Accelerates National Grocery Delivery Availability, Kicks off Costco Pilot
Uber Technologies’ has more than doubled the availability of its on-demand and scheduled grocery delivery.
The service is now available to Uber and Uber Eats customers in over 400 cities and towns across the U.S., including major markets like San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC. This marks Uber’s first major grocery expansion in the U.S., accelerating its grocery rollout this year with a 1,200-store partnership with the Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Since launching in July 2020, Uber has seen consistent growth in the U.S. for its grocery category. Major U.S. metro areas now include Miami, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Phoenix with more to come throughout 2021. In the U.S. and around the world, Uber is poised to meet consumers’ growing desire to get the things they need from grocery stores and other merchants in an on-demand fashion within hours—if not minutes—rather than days.
[See also: Uber to Acquire Postmates for $2.65 Billion]
Albertsons Companies, including banners Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls and more, joins regional leaders like Southeastern Grocers and New York’s Red Apple Group on the Uber platform, available to consumers within the Uber and Uber Eats apps. On all grocery orders over $30, Uber Pass and Eats Pass customers will get $0 delivery.
“This past year has been one of incredible growth for grocery delivery,” Raj Beri, Uber’s global head of grocery and new verticals. “Today nearly 3 million consumers order groceries and other essentials each month through Uber and we’re just getting started. By adding thousands of beloved grocers to our selection this year, we are fast-tracking our efforts to help Americans get everything they need from their favorite supermarket, delivered to their doorsteps.”
Uber and Costco kick off grocery delivery pilot in Texas
In other news, Uber Technologies and Costco have entered a delivery pilot with 25 locations across the state of Texas. Over the coming weeks, 7 additional Costco warehouses will be available to Uber users via Uber and Uber Eats mobile apps. The minimum order amount is $35 and delivery is free for Uber Pass and Eats Pass holders. This is Uber's first pilot with a food wholesaler in the United States.
"One thing we know to be true is that people across the United States are looking for convenient and affordable ways to stock their pantries without leaving home—especially for last-minute must-have items," said Raj Beri, Uber's head of grocery delivery. "Today's announcement with Costco is an important step towards marrying the magic of wholesale retail with on-demand delivery in the palm of your hand, and I'm thrilled that Texans are getting a first look at what's to come."
Costco currently offers online ordering and delivery through its own channels and additional third parties.
"Our mission statement at Costco is to take care of our members. By finding solutions to deliver merchandise quickly and efficiently, we continue to offer our members value, convenience and member service," said Ron Vachris, Costco EVP, merchandising.