Co-op Pricing Glitch on Deliveroo Results in Free Groceries for Shoppers

A technical glitch on Thursday evening led to several Co-op grocery items being listed at drastically reduced prices, including some at 100% off, on the Deliveroo app. Customers were able to purchase products such as Loyd Grossman pasta sauce, Costa ground coffee, and Fox’s cookies for free or at a fraction of their usual price. The error, which lasted only a few hours, was described by Co-op as a ‘clerical error’ and was quickly corrected. Despite the mistake, both Co-op and Deliveroo honored the discounted orders, with some customers receiving over £80 worth of goods for just a few pounds, including delivery fees. Many took to social media to share their experiences and bargains, with one customer planning to donate most of his haul to a local food bank. The incident sparked discussion about consumer rights in cases of pricing errors, which can depend on store policies and whether the order has been completed. While some retailers choose to honor such mistakes, as seen in a 2022 case involving EA’s Fifa 23 game, the legal obligation varies. The Co-op recently faced a cyber attack, but there is no evidence linking the IT incident to this pricing error. The story highlights both the unpredictability of online retail and the positive impact unexpected windfalls can have on communities.