Ocado confirms Denmark's nemlig as latest European partner

LONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - British technology and online supermarket group Ocado on Thursday confirmed Danish online grocer nemlig as the previously unnamed European retailer announced as its latest partner last month.

Under the partnership, nemlig and Ocado will build a new robotic warehouse, or Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC), as Ocado calls them, near Copenhagen.

Ocado shares jumped over 12% on July 21 when the deal was announced as it provided a boost to the group's embattled technology solutions business.

The stock was up 2% on Thursday, paring losses over the past 12 months to 32%.

DENMARK'S LARGEST PURE-PLAY ONLINE GROCER

Ocado said nemlig is Denmark’s largest pure-play online supermarket, with sales of DKK 3.3 billion ($516.31 million) in 2025/26.

Nemlig plans to transfer its existing order volumes into the new CFC when it goes live in 2028 but will continue to operate its existing webshop and manage last-mile delivery to its customers.

Ocado is trying to reposition itself after two key North American partners scaled back their tie-up.

Kroger in the U.S. and Sobeys in Canada opted to close robotic warehouses they ran with Ocado, blaming weaker-than-expected demand.

Their retreat raised fresh questions over the viability of Ocado's business model, particularly for grocery partners whose customers are spread beyond dense urban areas.

($1 = 6.3915 Danish crowns)

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Muvija M)