Amazon, according to its in-nation general manager, is eyeing an expansion into grocery delivery in France — a part of its global push on food retail, though it has no immediate plans.
“(Food) is a strong development axis for Amazon since the launch of our Amazon Fresh offer in the U.S. in September 2016,” Frederic Duval told the Journal du Dimanche, adding that the Whole Foods deal marked a new step in that ambition. “We would very much like to launch this service in France, but everything in its own time. A launch represents an investment.”
The news follows reports that French supermarket operator Système U is discussing a possible grocery supply deal with Amazon. Those reports, however, are still mostly speculative — a deal between Amazon and a French supermarket has, as of yet, not been announced.
But Amazon is pushing deeper into France, with an announced 2,000 new jobs and a settlement with French authorities over a long-running tax dispute reportedly worth 200 million euros.
“Amazon is welcomed in France because my absolute priority is to create jobs, and Amazon represents thousands of jobs,” noted French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire in a separate interview with Journal du Dimanche.
Le Maire continued that the “partnerships are under discussions between Amazon and some French groups, notably in the food products sector” and that the government would ensure fair competition.
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