Back in October we reported that Pick n Pay had concluded a deal to purchase on-demand alcohol and grocery delivery service Bottles, which was launched in 2016 as South Africa’s first alcohol on-demand delivery app, and partnered with Pick n Pay in 2018. Now the on-demand delivery app, Bottles has officially been launched as the on-demand service for the local retail chain.
Bottles repurposed its app when the lockdown began to deliver on-demand groceries to customers through a service it calls Grocery Essentials. The acquisition of Bottles is expected to be completed by November 2020, and founding members Enrico Ferigolli and Vincent Viviers moved to Pick n Pay alongside key managers and staff.
The acquisition allows locals to purchase alcohol and grocery items online, with the delivery time estimated at one hour. In addition, the acquisition sheds light on the success of this local startup that has gained traction to partner with a national retailer.
Locals will have access to over 38 000 items collectively available via Pick n Pay’s online store and products from the Bottles app. The new service will be available in 22 cities across the country.
Thriving during lockdown
Bottles reportedly grew by 800% during what can be categorised as the toughest economic time for many startups and SMEs, the pandemic. Bottles developed its business model from only delivering alcohol to same-day grocery deliveries with Pick n Pay. The on-demand delivery app’s download’s have grown by over 700 000 since the start of the lockdown. Customers will only be charged a basic delivery fee of R35 per order.
Future plans
The app plans to integrate with Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper loyalty programme, allowing users to earn points and qualify for personalised discounts, free data rewards, and immediate Smart Price savings. This added offer will reportedly be introduced in 2021.
