Asda is to partner with retail technology giant Ocado in a bid to improve its online grocery service for customers. The UK’s third largest supermarket chain said it will roll out Ocado’s smart platform technology across its website and app, in-store picking and its home delivery service.

Asda said the partnership will start in 2027 with an upgrade to its website and online shopping experience. Ocado and Asda said: "These solutions include Ocado's front-end (webshop), ​in-store ⁠fulfilment, and software to support last-mile planning and route efficiency."

It comes amid a major turnaround plan at Asda led by executive chairman Allan Leighton.

Mr Leighton said: “We know that continued success in this highly competitive market is dependent on providing a positive experience for customers every time they shop.

“Partnering with Ocado, will strengthen our online offer and provide a consistent and high-quality experience for millions of shoppers, from order through to delivery, while supporting our formula for growth.”

Asda counts some 1,100 stores and already operates an online grocery business in the UK.

The firm's biggest rivals are Tesco, which remains the industry leader in the UK, and Sainsbury's.

Ocado's system processes more than 70 million orders annually across 11 countries, according to the company.

Tim Steiner, Ocado's chief executive, said the partnership reflected the increasing importance of technology and scale in the competitive UK online grocery market.