Coronavirus: New World launches essentials grocery box delivery service in central Auckland

Monday, 20 April 2020

New World supermarkets in Auckland are offering food boxes as an express option for grocery shopping.

The essential boxes contain a set list of groceries for small and large families.

There is also a fruit and vegetable box option.

The chief executive of New World parent, Foodstuffs North Island, Chris Quin said the boxes would be filled by grocery wholesaler Gilmours which will also deliver the boxes.

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Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin says customers have been asking for a more streamlined way to do their shopping.

'We're doing our best to keep innovating during the lockdown with our primary goal of meeting the grocery needs of all our customers,' Quin said.

'No matter the alert level, New Zealanders are looking for options as to how they can get their grocery essentials so they can stay home and stay safe.'

The pilot launched on Monday and will be trialled in central and outer central Auckland suburbs.

Quin said customer feedback highlighted the need for a 'one-stop shop' for groceries.

New World has launched an essentials food box as a way reduces queues outside supermarkets and the time spent shopping during the lockdown.

Groceries included in the boxes included Weet-bix, sausages, bread and pasta.

The price for an individual box started at $85.95 and included basic household groceries to refill the pantry and fridge as well as hygiene products. The box was designed for one person for two weeks, or two people for up to one week.

The family box, priced at $179.95, included breakfast, lunch, and dinner groceries for a small family.

For $39.95, customers can order a fruit and vegetable box for one to two people.

Delivery fees were included in the price and there was no subscription required.

If the pilot is successful, Foodstuffs North Island planned to expand the service to other areas as well as the range of boxes, a spokeswoman said.

Other supermarkets were also looking at ways to streamline grocery shopping under the lockdown.

Countdown in Auckland opened its first permanent 'dark store' on April 16 to keep up with increased demand for online orders.

High-end grocery chain Farro Fresh has also partnered with Snap Delivery to offer same-day contactless delivery of groceries in Auckland.

Snap Delivery costs $29 for delivery on the same day and $19.00 for the next day.