Asda is significantly expanding its rapid delivery service, Express Delivery, through an enhanced partnership with Uber Direct. This strategic move aims to increase the number of locations offering one-hour delivery and enable the fulfillment of larger, weekly grocery shops nationwide via the on-demand service. The collaboration, which began in 2021, has been instrumental in Asda’s growth in the same-day delivery market.
Key Takeaways
- Asda is extending its rapid delivery service, Express Delivery, by deepening its partnership with Uber Direct.
- The expansion will increase the number of stores offering one-hour delivery and allow for larger, weekly grocery orders to be fulfilled on-demand.
- The partnership, initially launched in 2021, has been a key factor in Asda’s development of one of the UK’s largest same-day delivery offerings.
Nationwide Expansion and Larger Basket Capabilities
The expanded agreement will see Asda’s Express Delivery service, powered by Uber Direct’s courier network, become available in more locations throughout 2026. This growth is set to significantly broaden Asda’s customer reach. Crucially, the partnership now enables Asda to fulfill larger basket orders, transforming the on-demand offering from a quick top-up service to a viable option for customers’ entire weekly grocery shops.
A Proven Partnership
Asda first joined forces with Uber Direct in 2021, marking the initial launch of its on-demand delivery proposition. Since then, the service has grown from approximately 300 superstores to include an additional 10 locations in the latter half of 2025. Barney Burgess, VP of online at Asda, highlighted the success of Express Delivery, stating, "Uber Direct’s strong performance and reliable service has been vital in helping us to grow the service to date." He added, "We are excited to continue growing our partnership with Uber Direct and to keep delivering an exceptional and convenient service to our customers."
Market Context and Future Growth
This expansion comes as the on-demand delivery sector in the UK continues to grow, accounting for nearly 10% of online grocery sales and projected for significant future growth. Asda’s convenience store offering, Asda Express, has also seen considerable success, outperforming the wider market in sales during the second quarter of 2025. The supermarket aims to further drive its mission "to deliver real value for ordinary working people" through these enhanced delivery capabilities.
Sources
- Asda expands rapid delivery partnership, Retail Bulletin.
- Asda expands partnership with Uber Direct, Retail Systems.
