Tesco takes aim at Amazon and Sainsbury's with one-hour delivery

The supermarket giant has launched the Tesco Now app, which allows shoppers to order up to 20 grocery products from a list of 1,000 and have them delivered within 60 minutes.

Customers can use the app to place and track their orders, which will be fulfilled by third-party delivery specialist Quiqup.

Tesco has initially launched Tesco Now across 39 central London postcodes. The speedy delivery service will cost £7.99 per order, or £5.99 if shoppers are happy to wait two hours for their items.

The move comes a year after its big four rival Sainsbury’s launched the Chop Chop delivery service in London.

Similarly, Sainsbury’s app allows shoppers to order a basket of up to 20 items to be delivered within an hour by bicycle, for the smaller cost of £4.99.

Sainsbury’s has hired its own staff to handle the fulfilment process, rather than linking up with a third party.

Competing with Amazon

The London pilots come as Britain’s biggest supermarkets attempt to compete with US online Goliath Amazon on delivery.

The etail behemoth currently offers its Prime subscription for £79 a year, which gives members unlimited same- or next-day deliveries throughout the course of a year, depending on what time of day they order their products.

Amazon launched its Fresh grocery service in the UK last year for Prime members, becoming the first retailer in Britain to offer shoppers one-hour delivery on food items.

Tesco online managing director Adrian Letts said: “From forgotten essentials to that crucial final ingredient, Tesco Now can get them to our customers’ door within the hour.

“Shoppers’ needs are changing and we want to offer a range of services that allow them to shop with us in a way that suits their needs. We look forward to hearing what they think of the new service.”

Tesco Now is available to customers in central London between 8am and 11pm on weekdays, and 9am and 11pm at weekends.