Ocado boost as deal with Japanese supermarket chain is extended

THE advance of Ocado robots in one of the world’s most automated economies today gave a much-needed boost to the former FTSE 100 company.

- Graeme Evans

Shares rallied 5% or 18p to 346p as Ocado said one of Japan’s biggest supermarket chains had extended its relationship by lining up a third customer fulfilment centre.

AEON’s first automated warehouse serving customers in the Kanto region went live last summer, with a second already planned for Hachioji, Tokyo in 2026. The third is due to open in Saitama in 2027.

Ocado boss Tim Steiner, below, said: “Today is an exciting moment for AEON and Ocado’s relationship as we deepen our already strong partnership.”