Ocado, a British online supermarket and technology group, has announced its plans to build a third robotic warehouse in Japan as part of its ongoing partnership with Aeon, a major Japanese retail company. This expansion marks a significant milestone in their collaboration, which began in 2019 with the goal of revolutionizing online grocery shopping in Japan.
The third Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC), as company refers to these automated warehouses, will be located in Kuki-Miyashiro in the Saitama prefecture. It is expected to go live in 2027 and will utilize Ocado’s cutting-edge technology to efficiently fulfill online grocery orders. This expansion is a boost for the group, following a recent setback with its Canadian partner Sobeys pausing the opening of a warehouse.
The partnership between Ocado and Aeon aims to combine Ocado’s expertise in robotic automation and online grocery fulfillment with Aeon’s extensive retail network and customer base in Japan. Their first CFC opened in Chiba-city last year, serving customers in the Kanto region, and the second CFC is scheduled to launch in Hachioji in 2026.
The new CFC in Kuki-Miyashiro will feature Ocado’s latest technology, including the “On-Grid Robotic Pick” system, which promises to enhance labor productivity and streamline operations. This advanced automation will enable Aeon to handle a larger volume of online orders more efficiently, meeting the growing demand for online grocery shopping in Japan.
The expansion of Ocado’s partnership with Aeon in Japan is strategically important for both companies. For Ocado, it reinforces its position as a leading provider of robotic warehouse solutions and online grocery technology. For Aeon, it enables the company to strengthen its online grocery business and compete more effectively in the rapidly growing e-commerce market in Japan.
With the third CFC in the pipeline, both the companies are well-positioned to continue their expansion in Japan. Their collaboration is expected to drive innovation and efficiency in the online grocery sector, benefiting both companies and consumers alike. The success of this partnership could also pave the way for further expansion into other Asian markets in the future.
Ocado CFC in Chiba-city ‘the first robotic warehouse’: The Most Advanced Grocery Automation In the World
The Ocado CFC (Customer Fulfillment Center) in Chiba-city, Japan, is the first robotic warehouse established as part of Ocado’s partnership with Aeon, a Japanese retail company. It opened in 2023 and utilizes Ocado’s advanced technology to automate grocery fulfillment. This CFC represents a significant milestone for both companies as they seek to revolutionize online grocery shopping in Japan through efficiency and innovation.
Ocado is a British online supermarket and technology company. It is known for its advanced robotic warehouses and automated grocery fulfillment solutions. The company has partnered with several international retailers to provide its technology and expertise, expanding its global presence. The company has faced both successes and challenges in recent years, with partnerships in some regions showing promise while others face delays or setbacks.
Aeon is a major Japanese retail company operating various retail formats, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping centers. It is one of the largest retailers in Asia and has partnered with OcadoGroup, a British online supermarket and technology company, to introduce robotic warehouses and automated grocery fulfillment solutions to its operations in Japan. This partnership aims to enhance efficiency and improve the online shopping experience for Aeon’s customers.