Ocado Group PLC said May 2 that it would partner with ICA Gruppen AB (publ) to develop an online grocery business for the Swedish supermarket chain using the Ocado Smart Platform.
Ocado's platform is an end-to-end solution that includes front-end website functionality, web and mobile grocery ordering applications, an automated warehouse and last-mile routing management technology that improves delivery efficiency, customer service and punctuality. ICA's platform is expected to be operational by the end of 2020.
Ocado said it will partner exclusively with ICA in Sweden. The companies will develop a customer fulfillment center in the greater Stockholm area before setting up more facilities like it across the country.
The project is expected to take three years.
The British e-commerce retailer has formed similar partnerships with other retailers in the past. Last year, it developed a voice command shopping app for customers using Amazon.com Inc.'s voice-controlled speakers and smart devices and was also appointed by French retailer Groupe Casino to develop its e-commerce capability.
In January, the company tied up with Canada's Sobeys also to develop its online grocery business.
