AMAZON LAUNCHES PANTRY FOOD & DRINKS IN AUSTRALIA

Amazon, since introducing its pet supplies, travel store, automotive and jewellery categories, is now taking on the big Australian supermarkets with the launch of their pantry food and drinks offerings in Australia. Since Amazon came to Australia in December 2017, they have focused on expanding their selection of products and services available for Australian customers.

Pantry and Drinks produce will be available through Amazon Prime with free delivery. Almost 90% of Prime customers in Australia will be able to receive within two days, and selected areas will have access to next-day delivery.

The area of automated grocery distribution is looking to be a hotly-contested space in the near future. Coles recently announced its plan to invest millions into automated distribution centres. Woolworths is also jumping into the mix - in September 2018 they trialled their 'scan and go' system at one of their stores in Sydney, with similar functionality to Amazon's own 'check-out free' experimental store in Seattle.

Amazon is also expected to introduce its fresh produce offering in Australia after the company secures its refrigerated supply chain. This service is already active in the US.