US supermarket giant Kroger is currently reviewing further investments in robot-powered warehouses provided by Ocado Group.

According to The Telegraph, Ocado’s shares experienced a significant decline of 19% to a 13-year low of 219p, driven by the reassessment of the agreement.

Kroger has built and currently operates eight Ocado facilities but plans to shut down three locations in Florida and Texas due to a failure to meet set benchmarks.

In July, Ocado Group reported strong sales, which were boosted by its technology division, and planned to continue expanding and leveraging the profitability of its technology-based solutions.

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Ocado confirmed its plans to work with partners globally to expand its network of customer fulfilment centres; however, the future growth is at risk.

The chief executive, Tim Steiner, said in a statement at the time: “We continue to work hard with our partners to make sure they are all able to take full advantage of Ocado’s technology. Our current exclusivity terms are expected to roll off in multiple markets towards the end of this year, and we will start ramping up commercial conversations across global regions.

“Many of these markets have developed substantially in recent years, and the online channel is fully established as the major growth driver in grocery globally. This is an exciting moment to bring the proven, enhanced and even more flexible Ocado offering back to these markets.”

Ocado has been contacted for a comment.