Overview
- Ocado said Kroger will make a one-off $350 million cash payment in January as the partnership scales back automated facilities.
- The Charlotte, North Carolina site—one of two slated for 2026—has been dropped following last month’s decision to shut three Ocado-run warehouses in January.
- Ocado will continue operating five U.S. centers for Kroger in Monroe, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver and Detroit while providing logistics support.
- Ocado warned its next financial year technology and services fees will be about $50 million lower due to the closures and cancellation.
- The original plan envisioned roughly 20 U.S. sites but only eight opened, and Ocado shares rose about 6% after the compensation announcement.