Ocado looks to New York to expand its robot-picking delivery empire: Grocer could turn attention to deals with H&M and Gap amid 160m row with M&S – despite figures showing it is luring back Britain’s middle class shoppers [Video]

07:35 EDT 27 Mar 2024 , updated 08:06 EDT 27 Mar 2024

Ocado could be set to expand its robot-picking delivery empire into New York, amid a rapid deterioration in relations with partner M&S. 

The online grocer last month threatened to sue upmarket supermarket chain, M&S, over claims that it is owed millions of pounds in payments from £750million delivery agreement struck in 2019. 

Now analysts believe that if Ocado can bring the deal it made with M&S to an end then it would likely look to move into the US market and focus instead building its technology offering. 

This could involve deals with other huge brands including retailers Target, H&M and Gap, some experts claim.

Ocado’s food delivery service has been a hit in the UK due to its eight-wheeled robots that move around a giant grid-like structure called the ‘Hive’, picking up items and robotic arms that will that pack the items for delivery.