Ocado is on its way to launching in the United States now that it has struck a deal with logistics company Mace.
According to The Times, Ocado has hired Mace to advise on how it should approach a launch which comes ahead of a licensing deal to supply online shopping for a US retailer.
It is understood that Ocado is mulling expansion either across the Atlantic or over the English Channel in Europe. The appointment of Mace drives speculation that the online grocer‘s first international licensing deal will be with an American retailer.
The Times reported that there is also speculation around Ocado holding talks with Publix Super Markets, which operates in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. Publix has been trying for years to find a way to sell groceries profitably online.
Last month Duncan Tatton-Brown, Ocado CFO said “There is no hold-up [in signing a deal]. Our plan is to sign up multiple partners in the medium term. This is not a race, this is a long-term game.”
