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Google to tackle Amazon with fresh food delivery

| Innovation and technology

Google is going head to head with Amazon with plans to add fresh foods to its grocery delivery service.

Google Express, which launched in 2013 by offering non-perishable goods, will soon offer a range of fresh items in test markets across Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“Everyone wants milk delivered with their cookies, that's why we're excited to start adding fresh groceries to Google Express,” said product manager Prabhu Balasubramanian.

The service allows US consumers to shop from stores such as Target and Costco, all in one place and arrange deliveries from each store

Balasubramanian  added that consumers liked the service but that feedback had been “heard” on having Express help check off entire grocery lists including fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, and frozen foods.

'Whether you need to restock your pantry, get some ingredients for tonight's dinner, or just need some help carrying the heavier stuff - all you have to do is place your order, and we'll take care of the rest,” he wrote in a blog post.

Google Express charges members $3 for non-members $5 for delivery. Customers can pay using Google Payments online or through an Android and iOS app. 

Amazon, which continues to expand its empire, already offers its Pantry delivery service to Amazon Prime subscribers. Both online giants are competing against a wave of delivery start-ups that are popping up across the States and in the UK.

It’s not known when Google Express will expand to other stores or overseas.

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