Ocado, the British online supermarket and technology group, has announced the successful launch of its first robotic warehouse in Asia, developed in partnership with Japanese retailer Aeon. The warehouse, referred to as a customer fulfillment centre (CFC) by Ocado, has commenced operations in the Kanto region, accepting orders for Aeon’s “Green Beans” brand.
The collaboration between Ocado and Aeon was established in 2019 with the goal of enabling Aeon to achieve significant growth in online grocery sales. The partnership aimed to provide Aeon with a projected online grocery sales capacity of approximately 600 billion yen ($4.21 billion) by 2030, increasing to 1 trillion yen by 2035.
According to Ocado, Aeon’s second CFC in Japan will be located in Hachioji, Tokyo, with plans for additional centers in the future. This expansion reflects the growing demand for online grocery shopping and the need to enhance Aeon’s fulfillment capabilities across the country.
The move into the Asian market aligns with Ocado’s strategic vision and the potential for significant growth in the region. Ocado CEO Tim Steiner highlighted the increasing importance of the Asian grocery sector, stating, “Grocery spend in Asia is set to outstrip every other region of the globe over the next decade, and online remains the fastest growing channel in grocery across APAC.”
Ocado’s expertise in automated warehousing and order fulfillment, combined with Aeon’s market presence and customer base, positions the partnership for success in tapping into the rapidly expanding online grocery market in Asia. The deployment of Ocado’s robotic technology allows for efficient and streamlined operations, ultimately providing customers with a seamless online shopping experience.
As the global shift toward e-commerce and online grocery shopping continues to accelerate, Ocado’s expansion into the Asian market further solidifies its position as a leader in the food technology industry. The successful implementation of its robotic warehouse in Japan demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of retailers and consumers alike.
