Amazon launches one-hour drinks delivery

Online retailer Amazon has announced it will be offering one-hour delivery on beer, wine and spirits in the US, as the country’s on-demand drinks delivery industry grows.

The service will launch first in Seattle through the retailer’s Prime Now mobile app, extending to the surrounding areas of Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland as Amazon opens a new “hub” in King County.

While Amazon’s standard Prime service offers free next day delivery to its members, Prime Now means users can have their items delivered from 8am to midnight, seven days a week. Two-hour delivery is free and one-hour delivery is available for US$7.99.

“Prime Now is our fastest delivery option ever”, said Stephenie Landry, director of Amazon’s Prime Now service. “With Prime Now, you can skip a trip to the store and get the items you need delivered right to your door in under an hour. Customers love the convenience of one-hour delivery and we’re excited to bring Prime Now to our hometown customers in Seattle and surrounding areas.”

While currently only available in Seattle, Amazon said it is “rapidly expanding” its Prime Now service, which is due to launch in additional zip codes.

The on-demand alcohol delivery industry has been rapidly growing in the US over the past year, with Drizly currently the leading service provider. The start up recently announced an affiliate of US trade body the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) had acquired a minority stake in its business.

Amazon Prime members can download the Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices, and be notified when the service is available in their area.