To advance its home delivery agenda, The Kroger Co. is expanding a collaboration by testing Nuro’s third-generation all-electric autonomous delivery vehicle.
Kroger will continue to grow its digital offerings in Houston with the deployment of the new generation vehicles, the companies announced, building on the retailer’s commitment to serving customers anything, anytime, anywhere.
The expanded collaboration is a key part of Kroger’s emerging seamless ecosystem, the companies pointed out, one it is developing to readily provide consumers with products they want whether shopping online, in-store or both in combination. In addition, the all-electric, autonomous vehicles support Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact initiatives.
“Our expanded collaboration with Nuro supports Kroger’s commitment to provide fresh food, at a great value, all without asking our customers to compromise,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s senior vp and chief information officer, in announcing the rollout of the new-generation autonomous vehicles. “The role of autonomous vehicles in our seamless ecosystem continues to increase, contributing to meeting our customers in the context of their day without compromising on the quality or value, while contributing to our long-term growth and sustainability goals.”
In another move to boost its ability to serve customers in new ways, Kroger recently announced that its Ralphs division had opened the company’s first kitchen center with partner Kitchen United Mix in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Customers can build their freshly prepared, on-demand restaurant meals. The kitchen center will receive customer orders digitally using Kitchen United’s proprietary Mox platform via web, mobile or an in-person ordering kiosk. Customers can then pick up their meals or have them delivered. Restaurant staff will prepare the orders with delivery service fees determined by third-party providers.
