Europe roundup: online, delivery and sustainability developments

In this instalment, our analysts for Europe offer their take on some of the region’s latest developments and initiatives for the week commencing 24 November 2025. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Kaufland Poland launches on Glovo’s platform

• REWE tests autonomous delivery vehicles

• Coop Switzerland expands rail logistics to cut emissions

• Ocado Group and Auchan Polska launch first Customer Fulfilment Centre

• Reitan Convenience rethinks store portfolio

REWE tests autonomous delivery vehicles

REWE is continuing to innovate in the ecommerce space with autonomous deliveries. After announcing a trial of delivery robots in Hamburg, the German retailer is testing an autonomous delivery vehicle in Bochum. In a six-month pilot, the retailer and its technology partner LOXO will assess the feasibility of this delivery method in urban locations. Autonomous deliver vehicles are not completely new to the REWE Group, as it tested this in Lithuania with its IKI supermarket banner in 2023.

IGD Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view:

The REWE Group is one of Europe’s most innovative retailers, and it is ramping up its efforts in the autonomous space to increase efficiencies. This applies to its in-store operations (with cooking robots) and to ecommerce in particular, where it is testing several new solutions across markets, and bringing learnings back into the business. As shoppers’ expectation for rapid and seamless delivery increases, REWE is finding ways to meet their needs while finding effective solutions.

For more on this topic, read our latest article: Autonomous last mile: digital delivery of the future

Coop Schweiz expands rail logistics to cut emissions 

Coop Schweiz has opened a new railway logistics hub in Zurich to supply over 70 stores by freight train. The shift from road to rail aims to cut CO2 emissions by 80% and eliminate 58,000 truck journeys annually. Last-mile deliveries will still rely on trucks, but the retailer aims to introduce more environmentally friendly vehicles for this stage. Through this railway system, Coop Schweiz also plans to manage waste and container disposal. With two-thirds of national transport already rail-based, Coop claims to have saved 18 million kilometres of road transport in 2024.

IGD Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view:

Coop Schweiz’s new rail hub in Zurich shows how supply chains can evolve to balance efficiency with sustainability. By cutting truck journeys and managing last-mile deliveries responsibly, the retailer highlights how practical shifts can effectively support net-zero goals and strengthen environmental resilience.

Ocado Group and Auchan Polska launch first Customer Fulfilment Centre

In partnership with Auchan Polska, Ocado Group has opened its first customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Poland on a 16,000 square metre site near Warsaw. The facility introduces Ocado’s latest Re:Imagined automation, including AI-powered robotic picking and the new 600 Series Bots, a 3D-printed robot designed to manage the large and diverse inventory requirements of a CFC. At full capacity, the facility will allow Auchan to offer up to 40,000 products, scaling its online capabilities. The launch builds on Auchan’s use of Ocado’s In-Store Fulfilment software and complements Ocado’s technology development centres in Krakow and Wroclaw.

IGD Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view:

Ocado’s partnership with Auchan introduces cutting-edge technology into Poland’s grocery sector, highlighting how automation is reshaping online operations. The new CFC will showcase how innovation can enhance service quality, range, and efficiency, laying the foundation for broader adoption of advanced fulfilment solutions across Europe.

Kaufland Poland launches on Glovo’s platform

The hypermarket retailer has made around 5,000 SKUs available in the city of Krakow via Glovo’s delivery platform. It is expected to roll out the service to more cities after successful testing, along with adding more SKUs and integrating its Kaufland Card loyalty scheme.

IGD Senior Insight Analyst, Dan Butler’s view:

This strategic partnership allows Kaufland to tap into Poland’s fast-growing on-demand delivery market without investing in its own last-mile infrastructure. It will need to be mindful of operational pressures, such as maintaining product quality, picking processes and managing margins.

Reitan Convenience rethinks store portfolio

With the aim of ensuring a profitable and future-focused portfolio, Reitan Convenience is streamlining its store estate in Norway. The retailer, which operates the Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Northland chains, will gradually close 70 stores from 2026.This move is response to ongoing negative development in its customer base and profitability. The majority of closures will be Narvesen stores in shopping centres. Going forward, Reitan said it will focus efforts on expanding stores in airports, hospitals and central hubs. It is also investing in unmanned vending machines, home delivery, loyalty programmes and innovative partnerships.

IGD Senior Insight Analyst, Rachel Sibson’s view:

Reitan’s new strategy to focus store openings on high footfall locations will enable it to better meet shopper demand and guarantee consistent traffic to stores. The retailer’s food-to-go focused offer meets the needs of shoppers in these locations well.