Ocado Group has secured a new contract to build a large automated Customer Fulfilment Centre for an unnamed "fast-growing European national retailer", the UK-listed technology company announced on July 22, 2026 — its most significant Ocado Smart Platform win since a partnership with Asda in May and a much-needed boost for its Technology Solutions division.
600 Series Bots, On-Grid Robotic Pick And Freezer Automation
The new site is expected to go live in Ocado's 2028 financial year and will use the group's latest "Re" technology suite, including its 600 Series bots, On-Grid Robotic Pick system and fully automated freezer technology. The unnamed partner plans to migrate its existing online order volumes into the warehouse quickly, opening the CFC at just over half of total design capacity.
A Rebound After Kroger And Sobeys Setbacks
The deal lifted Ocado shares by more than 12% in London trading, having fallen to a 13-year low the previous week after weaker-than-expected first-half results. Financial terms were not disclosed and the company said the contract would not have a material impact on its 2026 results.
Ocado's Technology Solutions arm has been under pressure since rival warehouse-automation vendors closed splashy US deals and after its own North American partners Kroger and Sobeys shut a number of Ocado-powered fulfilment centres following softer-than-expected online demand.
Exclusivity Roll-Off Powers The Pipeline
Ocado disclosed in December 2025 that mutual exclusivity had ended with existing international partners in most of its markets, freeing it to sell OSP to additional retailers — a shift that has since produced back-to-back wins with Asda and now this unnamed European chain. Chief executive Tim Steiner said the two deals "highlight the growing demand for our solutions across the breadth of our technology offering."
Reporting based on coverage from Grocery Gazette, Retail Gazette and Ocado Group.