Waitrose has partnered with rapid delivery firm Just Eat on a multi-year deal to ramp up its presence in the on-demand grocery and convenience sectors.

The tie-up will allow Just Eat customers to create orders, to be made in 30 minutes or less, from 229 Waitrose locations across the UK, including in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Stirling.

It comes as the upmarket retailer has seen average weekly on-demand grocery sales increase by 140% in the first six weeks of the year, while more than one million Brits now regularly get their groceries delivered by Just Eat, with the network delivering 12 grocery orders to customer’s doors every minute last year alone.

Just Eat customers will be able to order from thousands of Waitrose items, including its revamped premium No.1 range and value Essential range.

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Later this year, customers will also be able to choose from more than 550 Waitrose Christmas products, including 175 new items for 2024.

Waitrose executive director James Bailey said: “As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food – and rightfully so. Neither show signs of slowing and that is a huge opportunity for us. 

“Partnering with Just Eat allows us to reach even more customers who want to be confident they are getting the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food.” 

Just Eat UK and Ireland managing director Claire Pointon added: “Many of today’s consumers no longer consider speed a luxury but a necessity. This is supported by Just Eats’ own research – three in four people who have ordered on-demand groceries believe it will become a part of their daily lives.

“Just Eat is proud to be leading this change and so we’re thrilled to be adding Waitrose to our list of grocery partners, strengthening the choice and value available for customers on the platform – whenever, and wherever, they need us.”

It comes as Waitrose recently confirmed plans to open up to 100 convenience shops across the UK in the next five years.