Waitrose is accelerating its convenience ambitions through a new on-demand grocery partnership with Just Eat.

The announcement of the multi-year deal comes after the supermarket chain revealed plans to open 100 Waitrose convenience shops.

The grocer announced the bold expansion plan in August as part of a £1 billion investment strategy aimed at revitalising the premium grocer’s retail footprint.

The expansion follows news that the retailer is regaining market share after a challenging period marked by intense competition from rivals like Marks & Spencer and the broader impact of the cost of living crisis.

Data from Kantar shows that in the three months to 4 August, Waitrose recorded its strongest growth since November 2023, the first time it has increased its market share since January 2022.

Waitrose, which is already available on Uber Eats and Deliveroo, says it has seen an average weekly on-demand grocery sales increase of 140 per cent in the first six months of the year.

Through the new Just Eat partnership, millions of Just Eat customers will now be able to order items from 229 Waitrose locations across the UK.

The service will go live this week in Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester.

“Partnering with Just Eat and stepping up our plans for new shops allows us to reach even more customers who want the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food," said Waitrose executive director, James Bailey. "As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food - and that is a huge opportunity for us.”

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