Publix, Instacart Bring 15-Minute Delivery to Miami Via Carrot Warehouses

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix is debuting 15-minute delivery in Miami’s Brickell, Coral Gables and Wynwood neighborhoods through Instacart’s Carrot Warehouses nano-fulfillment solution.

According to a release, Publix is the first grocer to collaborate with San Francisco-based Instacart on the new fulfillment model, which debuted in March as part of Instacart Platform, giving retailers access to the technologies behind Instacart’s consumer marketplace to power their own digital properties and retail operations.

Together, Instacart and Publix have developed a custom model that allows the grocer to offer thousands of items—including fresh produce, dairy, meat and household goods—for 15-minute delivery, ensuring items are in stock nearly 100% of the time, the companies said in a release. Customers can access the 15-minute delivery through Publix’s mobile app and website, as well as the Instacart App and website by navigating to Publix Quick Picks.

“As we continue to evolve our e-commerce strategy, 15-minute delivery is another example of how we’re committed to meeting our customers wherever they are—whether it’s in-store or online for a convenience need,” said Erik Katenkamp, VP of omnichannel and application development for Publix. “Introducing nano-fulfillment centers powered by Instacart Platform is another step in our omnichannel strategy, and we look forward to continuing to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Publix and Instacart have worked together since 2016, when they launched same-day delivery in as fast as one hour. The grocer has collaborated with Instacart to offer additional omnichannel services such as curbside pickup, delivery and pickup of specialty items such as alcohol and Publix’s signature Pub Subs, as well as online EBT SNAP payment acceptance.

"Instacart's model is to empower retailers to better serve their customers. We're taking the same approach by building Carrot Warehouses, a network of nano-fulfillment facilities that we operate on retailers' behalf, to help retailers deliver unmatched speed and selection to their customers,” said Daniel Danker, VP of product for Instacart. “Whether it’s a last-minute dinner ingredient or parents needing a quick restock on diapers, we know Miamians seek convenience in their lives and we’re excited to collaborate with Publix to power it.”

See also, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo on Cracking the Code to Grocery's Future

Since the launch of Instacart Platform, Instacart has introduced Caper Counter at Fenway Park as part of its in-store technology pillar and added Wegmans’ EBT SNAP acceptance as part of its e-commerce pillar.

Publix has more than 230,000 employees and operates 1,295 grocery stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.