Uber is introducing a discount program designed to address the increasing costs of produce. The new feature, called “Fresh Days,” will offer customers discounts of up to 50% on local fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy. The specifics of the discounts and the applicable days will vary across different markets. This initiative will be launched in several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, France, Japan, Taiwan, and Spain, with plans for further expansion.
Consumers have reported significant price increases for grocery items, particularly fruits and vegetables. According to the latest Consumer Price Index, apple prices have risen by 9.6% year-over-year, and fresh fruits and vegetables overall have seen a 2.3% increase compared to August 2024. These price hikes, referred to as “veggie-flation,” are occurring as farmers face higher production costs. The USDA projects that farm production expenses will increase to $467 billion in 2025, a rise of 2.6% from the previous year and over 36% higher than in 2018.
The Fresh Days program aims to alleviate some of these grocery costs. Uber One subscribers, for instance, may receive exclusive discounts, such as a 30% reduction on select fresh produce, meats, dairy, and eggs every Tuesday in the US.
In addition to the Fresh Days initiative, Uber Eats is implementing other updates, including an AI-powered suggestion tool that provides replacements when items are out of stock. Couriers will also have the capability to share photos with customers while shopping to enhance communication regarding item availability and quality. Moreover, Uber is introducing a freshness guarantee to replace any items that arrive spoiled, damaged, expired, or stale.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/transportation/784953/uber-eats-fresh-day-grocery-discount-price