Retail giant Amazon is set to launch an ultra-fast grocery delivery service in the UK.
The new service could see the existing Amazon Fresh service, which is an add-on of the Amazon Prime subscription, become a free perk.
According to trade magazine, The Grocer, the new Ultra Fast Fresh service will be able to process grocery orders in hours.
A move that would rival some of the biggest supermarkets in the country.
To roll out the project, Amazon's nine existing UK depots would need to be refitted in order to process and pack fresh produce. The first one tipped to be refitted is set to be in London, followed by one in Leeds.
The current Amazon Fresh service is available to all Amazon Prime members for an additional £3.99 a month. Alternatively Prime members can select the Fresh On Demand option and pay £2.99 per delivery.
Anyone using the Prime 30-day free trial can also take advantage of add-ons, meaning you could actually sign up to Prime services for nothing and use the Amazon Fresh add on for the duration of the trial.
The Amazon Fresh service currently uses produce selected from Whole Foods, Morrisons and Booths stores. Deliveries are available seven days a week between 7am and 11pm, with same day deliveries coming to a minimum total of £40.
Amazon Pantry, which stocks beer and wine, household goods and beauty products, is also available to Prime members. Orders cost a flat fee of £3.99 for next day delivery.
A similar service is already being rolled out by Amazon in the US, with Fresh deliveries added as part of the Amazon Prime package at no extra cost.
“Grocery delivery is one of the fastest growing businesses at Amazon, and we think this will be one of the most-loved Prime benefits,” said Amazon VP of grocery delivery Stephenie Landry at the time.
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