Ocado Group PLC (LSE:OCDO) has confirmed that mutual exclusivity has ended with retailers in most markets where its technology is live.
This includes the United States, where Ocado works with Kroger, from the end of 2025. The company said the expiry of exclusivity allows it to bring its technology back to market in many large international grocery regions.
Ocado had previously stated at its half-year 2025 results that exclusivity arrangements were expected to roll off by year end.
“As we continue to support all of our partners to improve and grow their online businesses, we will also now bring the full range of Ocado's AI-powered and robotic solutions back to multiple markets," said chief executive Tim Steiner.
The Ocado boss, meanwhile, told investors that Ocado is "well positioned" to help more retailers capture market share in the world's fastest-growing grocery channel."
He said: "In the five years since our first international CFCs went live we have substantially evolved our market-leading solutions and broadened our offering to meet retailers wherever they are on their online journey"
"Today, our fulfilment solutions span Store-Based Automation, AI-powered manual fulfilment in stores and dark stores, and automated CFCs of all sizes, ranging from micro-fulfillment to larger facilities. Together, they enable our partners to deliver a world-leading customer experience, including delivery options from immediacy to same-day, next day, and click-and-collect."