Ocado is the UK’s leading online-only supermarket, known for its high-quality groceries, advanced technology, and industry-leading delivery accuracy. Unlike traditional supermarkets, Ocado has no physical stores — it operates entirely through its website, mobile apps, and highly automated fulfilment centres.
This page explains how Ocado works, why it’s different, and what makes it one of the most innovative food retailers in Britain.
1. What Is Ocado?
Ocado is a purely online supermarket, offering home delivery of fresh food, groceries, and household essentials across much of the UK.
Unlike Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Asda:
- Ocado has no shops
- All orders are packed in large automated warehouses
- Groceries are delivered using Ocado’s own fleet of vans
The business is known for fast deliveries, accurate order fulfilment, and premium-quality fresh produce.
2. Ocado’s Unique Model: Online-Only Retail
No Physical Supermarkets
Ocado doesn’t operate stores. Every order is placed online, processed in a Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC), and delivered directly to the customer.
Robotics & Automation
Ocado is famous for its state-of-the-art robotics, where thousands of grid-running robots pick items at extraordinary speed. This allows:
- Highly accurate orders
- Minimal product handling
- Faster delivery turnaround
Freshness Guarantee
Because groceries travel directly from warehouse refrigeration to the customer’s home, Ocado offers some of the longest “use by” dates among UK supermarkets.
3. Ocado Partnerships & Brand Identity
Ocado Retail + Marks & Spencer
In 2020, Ocado replaced its long-standing partnership with Waitrose and entered a landmark joint venture with Marks & Spencer (M&S).
As a result:
- Many M&S food products are available exclusively via Ocado
- Ocado delivers M&S meals, bakery items, snacks, drinks, and groceries
- The partnership strengthens Ocado’s premium market position
Ocado Smart Platform (OSP)
Ocado also licenses its technology to supermarkets worldwide, making it not only a retailer but also a technology provider.
4. Product Ranges on Ocado
Ocado stocks a wide variety of products, including:
- M&S Food ranges
- Ocado own-brand essentials
- Premium groceries and organic produce
- International speciality items
- Vegan, gluten-free, and free-from ranges
- Household and cleaning products
- Health & beauty items
It is especially strong in:
- High-quality fresh produce
- Premium ready meals
- Health-conscious and speciality diets
- Large-brand household essentials
5. Delivery, Slots & Customer Experience
Flexible Delivery Slots
Ocado offers:
- 1-hour or 2-hour delivery windows
- Early morning and late-night options
- Ocado Smart Pass for free regular delivery
Real-Time Order Updates
Customers receive live tracking with:
- Driver map
- Accurate time estimates
- Item substitution approval
- Amended delivery instructions
96–99% Order Accuracy
Ocado consistently earns praise for:
- Low substitution rates
- Low missing-item rates
- Well-packed orders
6. What Makes Ocado Different from Other UK Supermarkets?
A Technology-Driven Approach
While other supermarkets use store staff to pick online orders, Ocado uses robotics and dedicated fulfilment warehouses.
Premium Positioning
With the exclusive M&S partnership, Ocado is viewed as a premium online supermarket, although it does offer price-matching initiatives on Essentials.
Environmental Responsibility
Ocado promotes:
- Reduced plastic bags
- Electric delivery vans (in selected areas)
- Efficient routing to reduce carbon footprint
- Waste-minimising warehouse technology
7. Where Ocado Delivers
Ocado covers large parts of England and Wales, including:
- Greater London
- South East
- Midlands
- North West
- Selected other regions
Coverage continues expanding as additional fulfilment centres open.
8. Summary: Why Ocado Is Important in the UK’s Supermarket Landscape
Ocado remains one of Britain’s most innovative grocery retailers because:
- It is the UK’s only major online-only supermarket
- Its partnership with M&S provides premium, high-quality food
- Robotic fulfilment centres ensure accurate, fast orders
- It leads in online delivery experience and convenience
For busy households, premium shoppers, and people who prefer stress-free weekly grocery delivery, Ocado plays a unique and essential role.