UK supermarket Morrisons has announced a partnership with Deliveroo that will enable it to deliver a range of essential items to customers in as little as 30 minutes in some cases, part of its effort to support consumers during the COVID-19 crisis.
The move will be for the duration of the pandemic, according to Morrisons, which says is vital as families remain at home or cannot “order speedy delivery from supermarkets due to high demand.”
Morrisons has promised that all deliveries will be contact-free to ensure safety, with Deliveroo riders leaving the deliveries at customers’ doors to collect, minimising person-to-person contact.
“With families and vulnerable people in isolation, it is more important than ever that we make sure they have access to the essential household items they need,” said Ajay Lakhwani, Vice President of New Business, Deliveroo. “During this worrying period, we want to play our role in making sure people have access to a range of items, in particular the vulnerable who cannot leave their homes.”
Morrisons and Deliveroo say the service will be available from more than 130 stores across the UK (which covers one in four households or 6.8 million people). Customers can order through the Deliveroo app or website from a selection of around 70 items, which includes fruits, vegetables, meat and other products.
Morrisons says items will be priced the same as in its stores, with a flat £4.99 delivery fee (unless customers have the Deliveroo Plus service).
“Our partnership with Deliveroo will help us to continue to play our full part in feeding the nation,” Morrisons Chief Executive David Potts said. “It’s a great combination of traditional and modern methods and it will provide more vulnerable people with the opportunity to receive their home delivery.”
Additional support: The Morrisons Foundation has set aside a £500,000 fund over the next three months to help charities offer additional protection, services and support to the homeless as a result of COVID-19.
