Getir Acquires Online Grocer FreshDirect to Grow in the US

Grocery delivery company Getir has acquired online grocery company FreshDirect to grow in the United States.

Getir, which operates in five countries, is acquiring FreshDirect from Ahold Delhaize, a grocery retail group on the East Coast, and the deal is expected to close by the end of November, Getir said in a Wednesday (Nov. 8) press release.

“This acquisition will lead to significant synergies between Getir and FreshDirect and emphasizes Getir’s strategic ambitions to grow in the United States,” the company said in the release.

Getir was founded in 2015 and delivers groceries to customers within 15 minutes, according to the press release.

The company it is acquiring, FreshDirect, was founded in 2002 and serves the greater New York Tri-State area, the release said. During the company’s two decades, it has cultivated business ties with food growers and producers in the region.

Following the closing of the acquisition, FreshDirect will retain its brand name and will continue to operate out of its facility in New York City, per the release. Customers of both FreshDirect and Getir will continue to receive the same service they currently receive.

In addition, FreshDirect will leverage Getir’s technology and operational footprint to serve its customer base, according to the release.

“FreshDirect will enable Getir to further increase the quality and breadth of its product range, especially regarding fresh products, making it even more attractive to its New York customers,” Getir said in the release.

It was reported in September that Getir has been working to consolidate its position in the rapid grocery delivery sector, which saw a surge in demand during the pandemic but has since seen a downward shift.

The company has acquired several rivals, including Berlin-based Gorillas, and has focused its operations on five countries: Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

Getir said in July that it was exiting three European markets — Italy, Portugal and Spain — as it focuses on profitability. The company said at the time that this move “will allow it to focus its financial resources on existing markets where the opportunities for operational profitability and sustainable growth are stronger.”