AliExpress, an online Chinese e-commerce company, is expanding its services by offering an hourly delivery service for groceries, household essentials, and food and beverages.

The online retailer is launching same-day delivery for its customers in Greater London on its online application. The company plans to grow this service across the UK as part of its plans to leverage the market of instant delivery.

Bonnie Zhao, General Manager at AliExpress UK said: “Local businesses and suppliers can connect with millions of shoppers on AliExpress, and consumers can get faster shipping on a wider range of products.

“This move reflects our commitment to provide upgraded service to consumers and our mission to support local businesses.”

AliExpress aims to become a shopping destination for the UK customers and is teaming up with Hungry Panda, a grocery and delivery service, to sell its range of products on the website.

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Some of the products that will be sold include household essentials, drinks, snacks, and cupboard staples, which can be accessed through hourly delivery.

As part of its plan to promote UK-based brands, the platform will be offering discounted membership fees and onboarding support for local suppliers.

The platform has products that are marked with Local+ and are delivered from local warehouses, which are aimed at giving customers an easier shopping experience.

The move comes as delivery giants Uber Eats and Just Eat are ramping up their initiatives over the summer to meet the growing consumer demand for instant products.