Instacart said Thursday it is partnering with Wegmans Food Markets and all independently owned Wegmans Wine, Liquor & Beer locations to power alcohol delivery across New Jersey. Customers can order alcohol delivery in as fast as an hour or schedule delivery days in advance via the Instacart app and website and the Wegmans app and website.
“As the Garden State gears up for the holidays, Instacart is proud to unlock alcohol delivery in New Jersey for the first time ever,” said Ryan Hamburger, VP of retail partnerships at Instacart, in a statement. “With today’s launch in New Jersey, Instacart is proud to now power alcohol delivery and pickup across 28 states plus Washington, D.C.”
Hamburger noted that users can purchase alcohol alongside other Wegmans offerings, including prepared food and groceries.
The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control recently approved Instacart to offer alcohol to be ordered online. The online grocer said it has many alcohol safety and compliance measures in place, dating back to 2013 when the company first started offering alcohol delivery. Shoppers must complete an alcohol training program before they are permitted to deliver alcohol on the platform.
“We know our customers are busy, and the holidays are no exception,” said Scott Payne, NJ Director of Wine, Beer and Spirits Operations at Wegmans, in a statement. “Our New Jersey customers have enjoyed the convenience of ordering beer, wine, and spirits, along with the rest of their groceries, for curbside pickup, and we’re excited to add delivery as an option.”
The news comes soon after DoorDash expanded its alcohol delivery capabilities to New Jersey. SFA News Daily spoke with Fuad Hannon, VP of new verticals at DoorDash, about the process. He noted that the state requires rigorous safety standards which they develop with the help of local regulators.
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