Amazon announced on Wednesday that its Same-Day Delivery service now includes fresh groceries for customers across more than 2,300 U.S. cities and towns, with plans to reach additional locations by 2026.
Strategic Expansion in Quick-Commerce
The e-commerce giant first introduced the ability to order perishable goods via Same-Day Delivery this past August. This strategic shift positions Amazon to compete more aggressively against major players in the quick-commerce sector, such as Instacart and Walmart+.
What Customers are Ordering
Since the service’s inception, demand has been high. Shoppers are increasingly bundling fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, and baked goods—with their standard orders of electronics, books, pantry staples, and household necessities like toothpaste and paper towels.
Maintaining Quality and Freshness
Amazon credits its “specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network” for maintaining the integrity of perishable items. To guarantee quality, every order undergoes a rigorous six-point inspection process before leaving the facility. Additionally, all temperature-sensitive products are transported in insulated bags to ensure they remain fresh upon arrival.
The Rise of Fresh Grocery Staples
Data from the company reveals that fresh groceries now account for nine of the top 10 most-ordered items for fast delivery. The current list of bestsellers includes bananas, Haas avocados, strawberries, honeycrisp apples, limes, blueberries, blackberries, organic bananas, navel oranges, and bathroom tissues.
Growth and Consumer Behavior
The company reports that sales of perishable groceries have surged 30 times since January. Furthermore, Amazon noted that customers who incorporate fresh groceries into their Same-Day Delivery orders tend to shop approximately twice as frequently as those who stick to non-perishable goods.
Pricing and Membership Tiers
For Prime members, same-day delivery is free on orders exceeding $25; those falling below this threshold incur a $2.99 fee. Non-Prime customers can also utilize the service, which is available for a flat fee of $12.99 regardless of the total order size.
Increasing Inventory Selection
Amazon continues to scale its offerings, stating that the selection of perishable items available for Same-Day Delivery has grown by more than 30% since August. This expansion includes thousands of popular products sourced directly from Whole Foods Market.
