Asda to Adopt Ocado Technology for Online Grocery Upgrades

Asda announced a partnership with Ocado to deploy the retail technology company's Smart Platform across its online grocery operations. The UK supermarket chain said the technology will be applied to its website and app, in-store product picking, and home delivery services.

The rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027 with an initial upgrade to Asda's website and online shopping experience. Subsequent phases will address in-store order fulfillment and last-mile delivery improvements.

The agreement comes as Asda pursues a broader turnaround plan under executive chairman Allan Leighton, who returned to the retailer in late 2024. Leighton has focused on improving product availability and pricing for customers. In March, Leighton stated the company still had "plenty to do" to restore its performance. Asda operates approximately 1,100 stores.

Leighton said the partnership aims to deliver a consistent experience for shoppers. "Partnering with Ocado will strengthen our online offer and provide a consistent and high-quality experience for millions of shoppers, from order through to delivery, while supporting our formula for growth," he said.

Ocado Group chief executive Tim Steiner welcomed the deal. "Asda will be able to deploy a technology platform already processing more than 70 million orders annually worldwide," Steiner said. Ocado's systems are currently used in more than 1,000 grocery stores globally.