The previously anticipated intensification of competition in the e-commerce quick delivery market is now materializing as expected, as S Group launches a broader collaboration with Foodora. It’s also worth noting the partnership with Wolt. More on this in S Group’s press release.
Arhi Kivilahti aptly wrote about S Group’s move on his Kaupan tila (State of Trade) website. From Kesko’s perspective, Wolt is noteworthy, as it has practically built the quick delivery market in Finland with Kesko. Wolt is playing a bit like with two decks of cards, and it’s possible that Kesko will now also start collaborating with Foodora.
The growth of quick deliveries has likely been the biggest driver in online grocery shopping recently, and as the offering expands, more will follow. After all, supply creates demand, at least to some extent.
S Group’s rush into the quick delivery market brings to mind how agilely and constantly Kesko must build “new” things. It took control of e-commerce at the beginning of the pandemic, but quite quickly, the slower S Group was already able to respond. The same situation has been repeated in the development of the store network and grocery retail. Sushi buffets, etc., have followed into S Group’s selection. Against S Group in grocery retail, one must constantly run faster just to stay in place.