Amazon Same-Day Perishable Delivery Reaches 2,300 Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 30-Fold

Amazon has reported a massive acceleration in its grocery logistics operations, announcing that its Same-Day Delivery service for perishable goods has expanded to cover over 2,300 cities and towns in just four months.

The rapid scaling of the network represents a strategic effort to transform food retail logistics, with further expansion confirmed for 2026. The move leverages Amazon's existing Same-Day infrastructure to deliver fresh selection at speeds intended to retain Prime member engagement for a third consecutive year.

Consumer Behaviour and Sales Velocity

Data released by the retailer indicates a fundamental shift in basket composition and shopping frequency. Since January, sales of perishable groceries through the Same-Day channel have grown 30-fold.

Fresh foods have effectively taken over the platform's volume metrics, now accounting for nine of the top ten most-ordered items—the only exception being a 12-pack of bathroom tissue. Crucially for Amazon's retention strategy, customers who include fresh groceries in their Same-Day orders are reported to shop approximately twice as often as those who do not.

Private Label and Assortment Strategy

Since August, Amazon has expanded its fresh grocery selection available for Same-Day Delivery by more than 30%. A key driver of this growth is the "Amazon Grocery" private brand, which now encompasses over 1,000 items, the majority of which are priced under $5.

Top-performing SKUs in this value-tier range include:

12-count pack of string cheese
Gallon of whole milk
18-count carton of cage-free large white eggs
16-ounce package of Roma tomatoes

Regional Consumption Trends

The retailer also disclosed specific purchasing patterns emerging across different US territories:

Northeast: Chocolate chip muffins, broccoli florets, raw shrimp.
South: Atlantic salmon, lemonade, chicken pot pies.
West: Cold brew coffee, chicken thighs, probiotic drinks.
Midwest: Wheat bread, bacon, pepperoni pizza.

Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, commented on the integration of grocery into the broader retail ecosystem:

"The selection, value, and convenience of Same-Day Delivery from Amazon makes grocery shopping that much easier for families across the country. We're seeing customers combine their fresh grocery orders with their regular Amazon purchases, like electronics, gifts, clothes, and household essentials, in ways that make their lives easier and save them valuable time."