Which Supermarket Does Ocado Belong To?
Many UK shoppers assume Ocado is owned by a major supermarket like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or M&S, but this is a common misconception. While Ocado delivers groceries in partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S), it operates independently as both a retailer and a global technology provider.
So, which supermarket does Ocado actually belong to? In this article, we’ll explore Ocado’s ownership structure, its relationship with M&S, and how it differs from traditional supermarket chains.
Ocado’s Unique Business Model
Ocado is not a traditional supermarket—instead, it operates in two key areas:
- Ocado Retail (Online Supermarket)
- Runs Ocado.com, offering M&S groceries, branded goods, and Ocado’s own-label products.
- Operates without physical stores, delivering directly to customers’ homes.
- Ocado Solutions (Technology & Logistics Provider)
- Develops and licenses automated warehouse technology to global supermarket chains.
- Partners include Kroger (USA), Coles (Australia), Sobeys (Canada), and Casino (France).
Is Ocado Owned by a Supermarket?
Ocado’s Independence in the Supermarket Industry
Unlike Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Morrisons, Ocado is not owned by a single supermarket chain. Instead, it operates independently, with a joint venture in Ocado Retail:
- Marks & Spencer owns 50% of Ocado Retail, but Ocado is not fully owned by M&S.
- Ocado Group remains an independent publicly traded company, with its own shareholders.
- Ocado operates globally, working with multiple supermarket brands beyond M&S.
Ocado’s Partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S)
In 2019, M&S acquired a 50% stake in Ocado Retail, replacing Waitrose as its grocery supplier. This deal marked M&S’s first step into full-scale online grocery shopping.
What Did the M&S Deal Include?
- M&S products replaced Waitrose groceries on Ocado’s website.
- Ocado gained exclusive rights to sell M&S food online.
- The partnership allowed M&S to enter online grocery retail, where it previously had no presence.
Despite this collaboration, Ocado is still an independent company and continues to develop its own products and partnerships.
What Makes Ocado Different from Other Supermarkets?
1. No Physical Stores – 100% Online Shopping
Unlike Tesco, Asda, or Sainsbury’s, Ocado does not operate physical supermarkets. Customers shop via:
- Ocado.com or the Ocado app.
- Groceries are delivered directly from automated fulfillment centers, with no in-store shopping experience.
2. Advanced Robotic Warehouses & Logistics Technology
- Ocado operates Customer Fulfillment Centres (CFCs)—fully automated warehouses powered by AI and robotics.
- These centers pick, pack, and ship groceries faster than traditional supermarkets.
- Ocado licenses its warehouse automation technology to supermarkets worldwide, including:
- Kroger (USA)
- Coles (Australia)
- Sobeys (Canada)
- Casino (France)
3. A Diverse Product Range Beyond M&S
Although M&S is Ocado’s main supermarket partner, Ocado sells a wider range of groceries, including:
| Category | Examples of Brands Available on Ocado |
| M&S Products | M&S fresh food, bakery, ready meals |
| Branded Groceries | Heinz, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Nestlé |
| Household Essentials | Fairy, Andrex, Dettol, Finish |
| Frozen & Fresh Foods | Birds Eye, McCain, Ben & Jerry’s |
| Ocado Own-Label | Ocado-brand milk, pasta, snacks |
This makes Ocado a full-scale online supermarket, not just an extension of M&S.
Comparison: Ocado vs. Traditional Supermarkets
| Feature | Ocado | Tesco / Sainsbury’s / Asda |
| Ownership | Independent, M&S owns 50% of Ocado Retail | Fully owned supermarket chains |
| Business Model | Online-only grocery + tech provider | Physical stores + online shopping |
| Grocery Supply | M&S + branded groceries + Ocado own-brand | Own in-house grocery supply |
| Technology | Robotic warehouses + global automation partnerships | Traditional supply chain |
| Global Expansion | Licenses technology to supermarkets worldwide | Operates stores in select international markets |
FAQs About Ocado’s Supermarket Connections
1. Is Ocado the same as Marks & Spencer?
No. While Ocado sells M&S products, it also offers thousands of branded groceries and household items.
2. Was Ocado ever part of Waitrose?
Yes. Ocado partnered with Waitrose from 2000-2020, but now sells M&S products instead.
3. Can you buy Tesco or Sainsbury’s products on Ocado?
No. Ocado does not stock Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Asda products—it mainly offers M&S groceries, branded items, and its own-label range.
