// Lidl has partnered with Italian delivery firm Supermercato24

// Italian customers can order over 4000 items online, pick preferred store & have deliveries arrive within an hour

// Marks a significant shift forward in the grocer’s digital offering

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Lidl has announced plans to launch a same-day delivery service on online orders in Italy, marking a major step away from its core budget model.

The German discounter has partnered with Italian third party delivery company Supermercato24 to offer customers delivery within an hour.

Over 4000 items are available to purchase online and 85 per cent of those are reportedly own label goods.

It will utilise a marketplace model, allowing customers to choose goods from their preferred local store.

Although it is not clear if and when the offering will be available in the UK, it marks a significant shift towards a more digital offering for the grocer.

“It’s the first time that Lidl leverages the innovative grocery ‘marketplace’ model that is now starting to catch on, and we’re sure this will be a winning factor for the both of us,” Supermercato24 chief executive Federico Sargenti said in a joint statement.

“I think the e-grocery industry is shifting more and more towards collaborations between traditional grocery retailers and tech facilitators like Supermercato24, and we’re glad to lead the way.”

Lidl Italy’s president Massimiliano Silvestri added: “We’ve decided to leverage this new channel as it allows us to reach new customer targets, while being loyal to our own DNA.

“Through this platform, we’re offering the same quality, convenience and freshness that we always offer in our stores.

“This is a chance for us to further strengthen our positioning, as well as winning the loyalty of the clients who have been choosing and loving us for years.”

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