France: Auchan launches online service for fresh produce

Auchan, one of the principal French supermarket chains, has announced the launch of a service called Auchan Frais (‘Fresh’), which allows customers to order fresh products such as meat and cheese online and then arrange to collect them at their local store.

Launched on the 7th March in France, Auchan Frais offers 300 lines of selected meat, cheese, fish, bakery and pastry products, in addition to cheese and meats in larger packages as well as "exceptional products such as Wagyu beef and caviar", according to an article in Lineaires. Consumers will also be able to request customized services, such as pre-preparation of fish and personalized cake messages.

“Today, very few websites offer a wide range of traditional fresh food available throughout France”, commented Auchan head of food Nicolas Cornuaille. “Tomorrow we could become the largest online butcher or fishmonger in the country, offering 100 or even 200 products".

The range is reportedly set to be expanded over the months, with a particular focus on “local” products.

Source: Lineaires / Auchan