The consumers of today value convenience and speed when it comes to getting groceries. Instead of time-consuming car rides to the grocery store, many consumers opt for doorstep delivery. Now, even drone deliveries are emerging.
Kroger’s First Drone Delivery
After running test flights for months, Kroger made its first retail drone delivery on Wednesday. It brought 2 packages of rice from its marketplace in Centerville, Ohio, to the town’s City Hall for the major, Mayor Brooks Compton.
The drones in the pilot program can carry up to 5 pounds in 15 minutes. This means all Kroger customers within a mile from their 1095 S. Main St. location can get groceries and essential supplies as quick as ever. There is currently no delivery fee either.
This milestone is another step toward making drone delivery possible for the general public.
Other Drone Delivery Developments
In 2021, Flytrex got approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand its drone delivery program, which includes Walmart deliveries, to North Carolina. Internationally, Irish startup Manna is making 50-100 drone deliveries per day in Ireland and in Tel Aviv, Israel, Pizza Hut partnered with Dragontail Systems for drone deliveries.
The Case for Done Deliveries
Compared to conventional air and ground options, drone deliveries bring several benefits. They avoid traffic issues, saving time and making it easier for food to be delivered warm. One person can also coordinate multiple drone deliveries at a time, improving efficiency.
As for how the public will react to Kroger’s pilot program, customers may see it as something still hypothetical. But if their drone deliveries live up to expectations, getting groceries via drone may take off in the US.
References:
Kroger’s Drone Delivery Officially Takes Off in Ohio
https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/kroger-drone-delivery-takes-off-in-centerville/
