Amazon customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns can order fresh, perishable groceries with their same-day delivery orders, with plans to expand to more than 2,300 locations across the U.S. by year-end.
This marks a significant grocery expansion for Amazon as the company introduces thousands of perishable food items into its current logistics network that is optimized for speed and efficiency. Customers will have the option to order produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods and frozen foods, alongside other household items.
Amazon is focused on offering a selection of national and local brands, including organic and natural options, at a reduced value through this new offering.
For Prime members, same-day delivery is free for orders of at least $25 in most cities. If an order doesn’t meet the minimum, members can still choose same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. For customers without a membership, the service is available with a $12.99 fee, regardless of order size.
“We’re continuously innovating to make grocery shopping simpler, faster and more affordable for our customers, especially Prime members,” said Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores.
“By introducing fresh groceries into our same-day delivery service, we’re creating a quick and easy experience for customers. They can order milk alongside electronics; oranges, apples and potatoes with a mystery novel; and frozen pizza at the same time as tools for their next home improvement project – and check out with one cart and have everything delivered to their doorstep within hours.”
When Amazon began to add perishable groceries like bananas, milk, eggs, bread and ice cream to its same-day delivery service in regions such as Phoenix, Orlando and Kansas City, customers embraced the option. Many of them were first-time Amazon grocery customers who return to shop twice as often with same-day delivery service compared to those who didn’t buy fresh food.
In addition, early adoption in these regions showed the popularity of groceries among Prime members, with strawberries now consistently knocking AirPods out of the top 5 best sellers, while bananas, Honeycrisp apples, limes and avocados round out the top 10 most popular perishable grocery items in same-day delivery carts.
“After trying this service for occasional items, customers have discovered how much we’ve simplified online grocery shopping,” Herrington added.
“Just add what you need in one order, and we handle the rest. Customers are enjoying online grocery delivery so much we’re seeing them turn to Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market for even more of their grocery needs.”
Amazon’s specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network ensures customers receive fresh perishable grocery items, with each undergoing a six-point quality check upon arrival and before leaving for delivery.
Temperature-sensitive products are delivered in insulated bags that are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs, the same used for Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market deliveries, to ensure items remain at appropriate temperatures.
The service complements Amazon’s grocery delivery offerings, including Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and a variety of local grocery and specialty retailers.
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