Ocado Solutions and Auchan Retail Poland have signed an agreement to develop the company’s online business using the Ocado Smart Platform.

The move marks the second Auchan business to partner with Ocado Solutions.

Ocado said that the partnership will initially build a Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) to serve the Warsaw region, beginning in 2024, with additional CFCs to be announced at future dates.

The Polish arm of the French multinational retail group will also leverage Ocado's In-Store Fulfilment (ISF) software across its hypermarkets nationwide

The agreement covers both its food and non-food business.

Auchan Poland will also use the company’s latest technology, including its most up-to-date 600 Series bot, Automated Frameload, and On-Grid Robotic Pick, which were all announced at an event earlier this year.

"We are pleased to bring a second Auchan business to our global platform, and to welcome Auchan Poland to the club of innovative and forward-looking retailers who are using the Ocado Smart Platform to power their online grocery business," said Tim Steiner, chief executive, Ocado Group. "Today though, we recognise that this announcement comes at a very difficult time for everyone in Poland, including many cherished colleagues working in our technology development centres in Wrocław, Krakow and elsewhere.

“The human tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, and the refugee crisis along its borders, has shocked the world. My thoughts, and those of everyone at Ocado Group, are with the Ukrainian people and everyone impacted by Russia's invasion of their country."

Gérard Gallet, chief executive of Auchan Retail Poland, said: "In the current very difficult context we are faced with, our teams are very committed to help Ukrainian refugees with the support of NGOs like Caritas and Red Cross. We strongly call for peace in Ukraine. At the same time, we would like to prepare our company for the future."

He added: "The development of ecommerce services is our priority direction, which we have been consistently pursuing for years, and recently especially intensively. The partnership agreement with Ocado Solutions is the best proof of our commitment. I am convinced that the introduction of such innovative and forward-looking solutions will be a significant step for our company on the way to achieving the leading position in the e-grocery market in Poland."

Share Story: