Southern Co-op is expanding its on-demand grocery delivery options across 139 stores through a new partnership with Deliveroo.

Customers within a 2km radius of the participating Southern Co-op stores, including Guildford, Wimbledon, and Winchester, will now be able to choose from up to 6,500 product lines on the Deliveroo app.

After an order is placed, products are picked and packed by in-store staff before being delivered by Deliveroo’s network of riders in as little as 20 minutes.

Southern Co-op said that it has partnered with the delivery driver amidst the growing popularity of on-demand groceries from consumers.

The move forms part of its strategic focus on providing on-the-go food offerings to high-footfall locations.

Trading since 1873, Southern Co-op is a regional, independent co-operative with more than 300 food, funeral and coffee branches across the South of England.

It is owned by more than 340,000 members and supported by 4,000 colleagues.

“From household essentials to Friday night favourites, this partnership makes it easier than ever for people across the South of England to access our products, including those who may not be able to physically visit a store or families who are juggling busy schedules," said Simon Eastwood, chief operating officer, Southern Co-op. “With the preference for on-demand groceries showing no signs of slowing down, we’re pleased to give our customers more choice in how they want to shop with us and look forward to expanding this in the near future with six more stores due to join the partnership in due course.”

In July, Southern Co-op announced plans to launch a new membership app which includes games, challenges, and new promotions capabilities.

The retailer said at the time that the new platform will offer customers a more personalised and interactive way to shop, earn rewards, and access exclusive offers.

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