Amazon shows signs of 'branching into UK food sector'

Shopping behemoth Amazon has started selling chilled and frozen food products online as speculation grows it is preparing for a full-scale invasion of the food and drink market.

Products now available to Amazon PrimeNow users in London and Birmingham include Cathedral City cheddar, Chicago Town pizzas, Ben & Jerry ice creams and Bird's Eye fish fingers.

PrimeNow already allows shoppers to buy a range of food and drink and allows for deliveries as quick as 60 minutes.

Prime Now users can order around 60 fresh or frozen products via the app. Credit: Amazon Prime Now

Amazon said:

But the company declined to comment on a report in Retail Week that claimed it was preparing for a full grocery launch in early 2016, after it bought a vast former Tesco warehouse in August.

After making its name as a bookseller, Amazon unveiled its initial food operation - called Fresh - in the US in 2007 and analysts have long speculated about a move to try to grab a slice of the UK grocery market.