With an increasing number of Brits turning to online grocery shopping, Midland Pallet Trucks, one of the UK’s leading providers of pallet and pump trucks, has highlighted the need for supermarkets to prepare for increased demand to guarantee a streamlined and efficient approach for their customers.

Research from Mintel revealed that 2015 saw a year-on-year increase in the amount of grocery shopping done online. And that only looks set to grow over the coming years. Online grocery sales are predicted to reach £9.8 billion this year - which is a 13% rise from an estimated £8.6bn in 2015, and by 2020, experts suggest that sales could grow by a further 73%, hitting £15bn in just one year. Putting more pressure on supermarkets’ warehouses will intensify the need - not only for more bodies - but also for more sophisticated machinery to cope with the pressure.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks said, “It’s no surprise that online trade has caught up with the supermarkets. With more delivery options and excellent rates available to customers, online grocery shopping looks set to continue rising at an amplified rate. Supermarkets must be prepared for this to ensure they have all the tools in place to ensure they deliver the best service possible to consumers. By investing in top-quality warehouse equipment now, they can rest assured that the growth will only have a positive effect on their business.”

More high street supermarkets than ever now offer their services online. Once considered something of a luxury, weekly food deliveries are now a normal occurrence for people everywhere. Saving consumers both time and money by not having to drive to do their weekly shop, supermarkets have focussed more heavily on delivering top-quality goods, which in turn, has helped fuel the surge in premium online-only supermarkets and e-shops.