Instacart and Publix deliver new made-to-order food service

An on-demand delivery platform and a Southeastern grocery powerhouse have completed rollout of same-day-delivery of specialty deli items.

Instacart is partnering with Publix Super Markets to offer Instacart Meals, a new solution for online ordering, delivery and pickup of made-to-order food. Initially piloted in Florida in January, it marks Instacart's move into grocery meal delivery.

As a first step, Instacart has collaborated with Publix to introduce the service with a new digital deli counter including Publix subs. With this expansion, Instacart Meals is now available to nearly all Publix stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

The new service plugs directly into Publix’s ordering system, enabling store employees to receive orders through its existing infrastructure. Instacart shoppers can then visit the counter and pick up items. When customers add a made-to-order meal to their cart, Instacart Meals automatically offers all applicable combo options and discounts, enabling customers to obtain any deals and savings available in-store. 

"Since the launch of Instacart Meals, customers have ordered enough Pub Subs via Instacart to span the length of 758 football fields, which tells us that people appreciate the convenience and options," said Neera Chatterjee, senior product manager at Instacart. "Instacart's digital deli counter's 'Build your Own' and Smart Cart Combo features enable online customers to build their Pub Sub with endless combinations and take advantage of Publix's signature money-saving sub combo." 

"With the expansion of Instacart Meals, we're excited to make it easier than ever for Publix customers to enjoy their favorite Pub Sub delivered to their homes or ready for curbside pickup in as fast as two hours," said Maria Brous, Publix director of communications.