Mark Anderson
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a dramatic rise in online shopping across the United Kingdom, with the grocery industry being a key beneficiary. This surge in demand, coupled with a drive for convenience, speed, and personalized service, has catalyzed the emergence of numerous innovative startups. Ranging from rapid delivery services to platforms delivering locally-sourced, organic produce, these ventures are transforming the retail landscape. In this article, we’ll take a look at a selection of UK-based grocery startups founded during or after 2020.
Lollipop
Founded by Tom Foster-Carter, Lollipop is a London-based e-commerce platform specializing in online grocery shopping. The unique appealing feature of Lollipop is the inclusion of personalized meal plans. They are making strides in the market by fusing two popular trends: meal planning and online grocery shopping. For more information, you can find them on Facebook and Linkedin or follow them on Twitter – @teamlollipopAI.
Zapp
Located in Kent, Zapp is a delivery service offering essential items on-demand 24/7. Founded by Joe Falter, it’s backed by the world’s leading investors. The team, with previous experiences at companies ranging from Amazon to Deliveroo, is dedicated to scaling up Zapp. You can stay updated with them on Facebook, Linkedin or follow them on Twitter – @tryzapp.
Delivery Drop
Co-founded by Haseeb Riaz and Syed Sherazi, Delivery Drop is an on-demand delivery service based in London. Known for delivering thousands of products from local stores to doorsteps within minutes, they support local businesses in these changing times. People can keep up to date through their Facebook page.
Goodery
Goodery, based in Norwich, Norfolk, is a grocery marketplace that supports local farmers and ethical businesses. They offer organic goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other everyday essentials, all delivered to your door with zero carbon emissions. You can connect with them on Linkedin or follow them on Twitter – @goodery_uk.
MANO
With its headquarters in London, MANO, founded by Moe A Nesr, is an e-commerce start-up with a focus on rapid grocery delivery in Africa. MANO utilizes technology and a comprehensive network of riders to fulfill its bold claim of orders delivered within 15 minutes. Find out more on their Linkedin page.
SaveCo Online Ltd
Based in Bradford, SaveCo Online Ltd is a leading halal groceries and meat delivery service in the UK, offering same and next day delivery across the country. You can follow them on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter – @savecobradford.
Niyis
Founded by Bisola Adeniyi and situated in Reading, Niyis is an e-commerce platform remodeling the perspective of how ethnic grocery products are sold. Customers receive personalized grocery products and recipe recommendations via a Machine Learning algorithm. Connect with them on Facebook, Linkedin or follow them on Twitter – @niyisuk.
Oja
Founded by Mariam Jimoh, Oja, is a London-based online supermarket that specializes in producing hard-to-find cultural, ethnic & specialist groceries, and products. You can follow them on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter – @OjaHQ.
Dija
Co-founded by Alberto Menolascina and Yusuf Saban, London-based startup Dija delivers groceries to your doorstep in under 10 minutes. They operate from hubs within local communities to achieve their unique quick delivery pledge. More details about them can be seen on their Linkedin page.
Jiffy Grocery
Co-founded by Artur Shamalov, Igor Demishev, and Vladimir Kholiaznikov, London-based Jiffy Grocery is dedicated to transforming the online grocery shopping experience. Jiffy promises ultra-fast delivery services for a wide selection of fresh produce, meals, and household essentials from popular brands and local suppliers. Connect with them on Facebook or Linkedin.
Ethco Group
Founded by Surayyah Sani Ahmad, Poole-based Ethco Group helps ethnic and independently owned stores to digitise their businesses using low-touch technology. You can find more information about them on Linkedin or follow them on Twitter – @EthcoUK.
In conclusion, these innovative startups are pioneering changes in the UK grocery industry. They signify the rise of a new era of digital grocery shopping, one marked by increased convenience, efficiency, and local support. In the coming years, it will be intriguing to observe how these innovators steer the future growth of this evolving industry.
