Online grocery delivery: From supermarkets to online businesses, here’s how to restock without leaving the house
From fresh produce, to cleaning supplies and more, avoid shop queues by getting your groceries delivered straight to your door. No non-essential trips needed.
As supermarkets continue to buzz with shoppers stocking up on their weekly essentials, online grocery delivery is a great option for Australians unable to get to their local.
Whether this is because you’re in quarantine, or are living with someone who is immunocompromised or vulnerable, and don’t want to risk possible infection, several business will deliver your weekly shop to your front door.
From the big supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths to smaller, local business, here’s how you can keep your household stocked up without leaving the house.
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WHAT ARE THE SUPERMARKETS DOING?
COLES
Coles is continuing their online grocery delivery service with standard, same day and remote delivery options. Delivery costs a flat rate of $12 for a six-hour delivery window and standard free delivery is available on orders over $200. Customers can also choose to have their delivery left “unattended” which reduces the need for someone to sign for the order.
When it comes to items sold by weight or piece (like produce and meat), customers can choose how many units of the item they want, with Coles generating an estimated cost of the order. The actual price is calculated after the order is weighed and this is the amount charged to you on your invoice.
Product limits are also in place for high-demand or essential items such as toilet paper, pasta, liquid soap and more.
WOOLWORTHS
Due to COVID-19, Woolworths has understandably made some changes to their delivery services. All deliveries are now contactless, with drivers taking a photo as proof of delivery. Despite this, its website states “drivers will do their best to assist senior or disabled customers”.
In terms of delivery costs, your first order is free, as are all order over $300. The rest of their delivery pricing is dependent on the total of your shopping. Prices start at $15 for orders up to $99.99 and decrease to $3 for shops from $250 to $299.99.
Vulnerable customers (seniors, people with a disability and those in mandatory isolation) can also apply to receive Priority Assistance which gives them access to priority delivery windows.
Similar to Coles, the actual cost of items sold by their weight will be calculated once the item is picked and weighed. More information is available here.
IGA
While IGA does offer delivery through its IGA Priority Shop initiative, this service is only available to eligible customers. This includes people over 70, people who are immunosuppressed, Indigenous Australians over the age of 50, people with a disability, and people who are required to self-isolate.
Approved customers are able to choose from four pack options which include a $60 'The Essentials' or $150 'Pantry Plus' bundle, and a $20 pack for dogs or cats. More information is available here.
MEAL BOX SERVICES
If you need some help in the cooking department, services such as Hello Fresh, Marley Spoon, and Dinnerly make food prepping a meal a breeze. You buy a box depending on what meal you want to create and they’ll send it out with your ingredients pre-measured.
STATE-BASED GROCERY SERVICES:
Although the major supermarkets are still delivering, here are some other options to consider. While these companies run on a smaller scale, their produce is grown more locally, guaranteeing you freshness. Plus, you can feel great about supporting small and local businesses.
NEW SOUTH WALES
A three-generation family business, Fruit and Veg 2u states their produce is hand picked, professionally packed and delivered to your door all on the same day.
Customers can choose from a selection of fruit, vegetables, meats and other pantry and grocery items. Their produce is farmed with sustainability in front of mine and they don't use synthetic chemicals or artificial ripening.
Think of your Food Collective as an online farmer's market. Their products are sourced directly from local producers and their range includes fruit and veg, as well as dairy, meat, ferments, ready made meals and more. They also sell produce and 'platter' boxes too.
If buying organic is important to you, Door Step Organics makes it a cinch. They don't just do produce either and stock just about everything from apples to chardonnay and washing powder.
Harris Farms is still delivering. Customers can choose between their large range of items, or opt for one of their four fresh food boxes.
QUEENSLAND
With a focus on fresh produce, Nan and Pop's Fruit Shop delivers to the Sunshine Coast, Cabooluture and Brisbane areas. While they’re juggling a few product issues due to demand, they're continuing to work with local suppliers.
Specialising in fruit and veggie boxes, many of their boxes also come with free delivery. Plus they do 'Ugly Produce Boxes' which comes with kilos of imperfect-appearing but heavily discounted fruits and veggies that would have otherwise been discarded.
Based in Brisbane, you can still shop from their extensive range of deli, grocery items and gourmet meals. They also place an emphasis on stocking local retailers, so you can pride yourself in supporting local businesses too.
Expect gourmet ready-made meals, fresh boxes and a foodie-approved range of cheeses and charcuterie options when you order from The Stores Grocer. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it.
Support local farmers, while buying organic with The Farm Folk. Your products won't be picked till after you purchase them and they’re partners of One Tree Planted Organisation which plants trees all around Australia.
VICTORIA
Local produce is the focus at The Happy Apple and both their Ascot Vale and Seddon stores are offering online sales. All the usual categories are catered for but special mention is needed for their 'Serious Cheese' section.
The Brighton-famous family-owned fruit and vegetable store is continuing with their delivery services during COVID-19. Their produce is hand-picked for quality, and they stock a range of pastas, flours, and condiments as well.
Popular Melbourne florist, Victoria Whitelaw has turned her hand at curating grocery boxes as a way to diversify her business and secure employment for her team. They include locally-sourced produce and a luxe take on 'fridge and pantry essentials' like Eclipse premium unsalted butter, NEDS Bake Artisan sourdough bread, Burd free range eggs, and more. Yum.
ACT
A family business based in Cook, Canberra, The Cook Grocer has all your gourmet needs sorted. They stock a range of fancy liqueurs (think: Shiraz and pepperberry French oak edition gin), as well as pantry essentials, and more.
Premium green grocers, Wiffens are also doing home delivery. They have everything you need to restock your pantry or fridge, with an extensive produce, dairy and small goods offering.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Romeo's will continue to provide for their South Australian customers through their delivery service. They charge a flat rate shipping fee of $10 for all orders.
Depending on your address, you can get your order delivered within 30 to 90 minutes. Everything from flowers to pantry essentials and over the counter medicine is available and you can track your order live on their app.
Those who live in select SA Metro areas can take advantage of Drake's delivery services. Not only do you have access to the independent grocer's large range of goods, you also know that your dollars are going to local manufacturers and suppliers.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
You can pretty much do your entire weekly shop with WA Fresh and they'll bring your order straight to your door. The day of your delivery is dependent on your postcode and is free on all orders over $55.
Frescoe Produce offers full transparency as to where and who they source their fruits and vegetables from. There’s even an online page where you can 'meet the growers'. The price of their produce boxes are dependent on your postcode and the range changes according to season.
From seasonal organic boxes, to options that let you 'build your own,' Perth Organics is 100 per cent Western Australian owned and operated. All of their produce is Certified Organic and they also stock a range of meats, toiletries and household products to help you live your most sustainable and eco-friendly life.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
While PFD normally operate as a food wholesaler to restaurants and cafes, they're now also offering a 'PFD 2 Home' service which lets the public shop from their wide food range. This includes items like frozen goods, cheeses, small goods and more.
Known as being Darwin's only fresh organic produce and bulk whole foods store, Greenies Real Food also delivers online. The full range of their fresh and pantry offering is available, and they'll do their best to ship to local, rural and remote communities too.
TASMANIA
Although PDF’s offering will differ depending on the company site, their 'PFD 2 Home' service is also available in Tasmania.
Gourmet grocery stores, Hill Street Grocers are now offering delivery from of some of their stores. Whether you need to do a weekly shop, or want to create the perfect cheese board, they've got you covered.
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