Wakefern Food Corp., Keasbey, N.J., partnered with Takeoff Technologies, Waltham, Mass., to launch a fulfillment center in Clifton, N.J. Takeoff Technologies’ hyperlocal fulfillment centers increase speed for retailers while improving the overall customer experience for online grocery shopping.

“We are excited to partner with Takeoff Technologies to see how their hyperlocal automation technology will benefit our cooperative, retail members and shoppers,” says Steve Henig, Wakefern’s vice president of digital commerce and analytics. “We are really proud of our e-grocery shopping platform, ShopRite from Home, and believe this partnership will enhance our online shopping service.”

Wakefern’s ShopRite from Home program offers pick-up and home delivery services across most ShopRite store locations. The new partnership with Takeoff will expand Wakefern’s capabilities to deliver expanded e-grocery service.

The new fulfillment center will serve select ShopRite stores operated by Wakefern member Inserra Supermarkets in North Jersey and New York.

Takeoff is an e-grocery solution that empowers grocers to grow online by leveraging automation at a hyperlocal scale.  The automated technology uses advanced robotics in the fulfilment center, where orders of up to 60 grocery items can be assembled in minutes.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Wakefern to help make their e-grocery service even better,” says Jose Aguerrevere, co-founder and CEO of Takeoff. “Our hyperlocal approach and technology results in lower packaging costs and high last mile efficiency.”

“Our e-grocery automation is a turnkey, scalable solution that uses robotics to unlock convenience for shoppers without the need to charge extra fees,” adds Max Pedro, co-founder and president of Takeoff. “It’s a win-win for grocers and shoppers.”