A new supermarket chain that will rival Aldi and Lidl for its low prices will arrive in the UK soon. Motatos is set to launch next month and will also compete against other supermarkets like Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
It is not to be confused with the 'Russian Lidl', which opened earlier this year. Already a hit in the Nordic countries, the online grocer cuts prices by buying surplus food from wholesalers, and it's at just the right time with the UK deep in a cost of living crisis.
But what do we know so far about the new supermarket chain? In a bid to make your life easier, we've done some digging and this is what we found.
Read more : Motatos supermarket reviews - What shoppers from other countries say about new budget supermarket brand
Where is it based already?
Launched in Sweden in 2014, the store became a hit in the country, along with Denmark, Finland and Germany, where it sells large pack goods, drinks, snacks, household, pets and beauty products. Thanks to its expertise, it's already forged working relationships with distributors who The Grocer namechecks as Wholegood and Pricecheck.
Deliveries are made by third-party logistics companies, normally taking between one and three working days. The cost of shipping depends on the size of the orders.
What will it sell in the UK?
Known as Matsmart across Europe, the company has promised UK consumers "well-known products that would otherwise risk ending up in landfill”, reports The Grocer. The consumables are regularly deemed surplus due to new packaging, a change in seasons and best before dates.
However, we don’t know exactly what items will be sold yet, or at what prices. UK country manager Christabel Biella told The Grocer: “UK shoppers are incredibly passionate about sustainability but they need easy and cost-effective ways to make sustainable choices that often come with a hefty price tag. That is why I’m so excited to join Motatos, especially at this point in its development following incredible success in other European markets.”
Last month, the company launched an own-label line called Saved by Motatos in Sweden. The vegetarian product range is made with saved produce as its main ingredients. So far, the assortment includes chocolate, vegetable spreads, pestos, vegetable soups and pasta.
Will it compete with the 'Russian Lidl'?
The Russian supermarket chain Mere, known as the "Russian Lidl", announced it was closing its first UK store following the invasion of Ukraine. The discounter has also reportedly paused plans to open more shops, so it seems for the moment Motatos will have one less supermarket to compete with.
