Ocado is in talks with multiple US retailers as the group aims to rebuild momentum, following setbacks with two of its largest North American partners.

The business said it had “multiple live engagements” in the US, where it’s pitching what it described as “significantly evolved” versions of its automated fulfilment technology.

Its renewed push comes after US supermarket giant Kroger and Canadian grocer Sobeys announced plans to close robotic customer fulfilment centres powered by Ocado’s technology, blaming weaker-than-anticipated demand.

The closures have raised fresh questions over the economics of Ocado’s large automated warehouses, particularly in less densely populated areas where delivery routes can be more expensive to operate.

Ocado’s shares have fallen 36 per cent over the past six months as investors weigh the impact of the North American retrenchment on the company’s long-term growth prospects.

However, chief executive Tim Steiner has maintained that the US remains a significant opportunity for the business. Ocado is increasingly promoting a broader range of technology, including automation that can be installed within retailers’ existing stores and smaller fulfilment sites.

The company was previously restricted from working with Kroger’s competitors in the US under an exclusivity agreement, but the arrangement ended last year as Ocado sought greater freedom to pursue new customers.

Ocado’s half-year results were boosted by one-off termination payments linked to its agreements with Kroger and Sobeys.

Excluding those payments, adjusted earnings fell 12 per cent to £81m during the period.

The group nevertheless maintained its forecast that it would become cash-flow positive during the current six-month period and remain cash-flow positive across its next financial year.

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