• Ocado reports retail sales rise of 13.8%
  • Online grocer’s 14th consecutive quarter of growth
  • More than 250,000 orders shipped in a week for the first time ever

Ocado has posted a 13.8% rise in first-quarter retail sales as it shipped 250,000 orders in a week for the first time. 

The online grocer posted retail sales of £286.7m for the 12 weeks to February 21. Its gross sales rose 15.3% to £312.4m in the same period.

Average orders per week shot up 16.9% to 214,000, and the grocer said that, since the period end, it had surpassed the 250,000 orders per week barrier for the first time. 

Average order size however dropped 2.9% from £114.72 to £111.41 during the quarter.

Chief executive Tim Steiner said: “We are pleased with the steady progress in our business, maintaining double-digit sales growth in a retail environment that remains challenging.” 

He added: “Notwithstanding the tough nature of the marketplace, we expect to continue growing ahead of the online grocery market.”

Last month it was rumoured that Amazon was eyeing a bid for Ocado, but the US etailing giant has since struck a supply deal with Morrisons.

Ocado was expected to announce a new international partner in its last full year, but the online grocer has yet to secure a deal.

 

 

Topics