Ocado becomes UK's first supermarket to launch an app for Amazon Alexa

Ocado has become the UK’s first supermarket to launch an app for Amazon Alexa – the personal assistant for the Amazon Echo smart home speaker.

The retailer, which is the world’s largest for online groceries, has decided to embrace the growing popularity of the voice control technology, 

The new app will allow customers to add products, manage and keep track of their basket, find the most in-season or suitable purchases, and even get recipe tips.

Users will be able to access the Ocado webshop, and it is also iPhone, iWatch and Android compatible.

Developers worked with Ocado Technology's e-commerce team who built an AI-based Ocado Conversational Service to add functionality which is able to suggest previously bought or more suitable items to help customers manage their basket with as little effort as possible.

Lawrence Hene, Marketing and Commercial Director at Ocado, is excited about the launch.

He said: “Grocery shopping should be quick, easy and convenient.  Using voice technology, we’ve made it even easier by developing our new app that will enable our customers to add to their Ocado baskets without lifting a finger.

“Consumer demand for increasingly convenient ways to shop is growing rapidly and we’re excited to be the first supermarket in the UK to offer this technology, making customers’ lives ever easier. 

"Alexa will add any item to your Ocado basket simply by asking her to do so.  It’s as easy as that.”

The app launched today and members of the public can download it via Amazon.