Grocery technology company Instacart has launched an alcohol delivery service for the first time in New Jersey, US.

The service was launched in partnership with Wegmans Food Markets and all independently owned Wegmans wine, liquor and beer locations.

Customers above the age of 21 can order alcohol through the Instacart app and website and the Wegmans app and website from 30 November 2023.

Deliveries can be fulfilled in as little as an hour, while shoppers can schedule deliveries for days in advance.

Instacart launched the service shortly after receiving approval to offer alcohol online from the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Shoppers are required to undergo checks including verification of ID and age.

The retailer will not deliver alcohol to any visibly intoxicated person.

Instacart retail partnership vice-president Ryan Hamburger stated: "As the Garden State gears up for the holidays, Instacart is proud to unlock alcohol delivery in New Jersey for the first time ever.

"By partnering with Wegmans to bring alcohol delivery and pickup to the Instacart app in New Jersey, we're able to deliver customers a seamless shopping experience that gives them access to Wegmans' wide selection of alcohol, alongside prepared foods, fresh groceries and household essentials – all delivered from the store to their door in as fast as an hour.

“With today's launch in New Jersey, Instacart is proud to now power alcohol delivery and pickup across 28 states plus Washington, DC."

In September 2023, DoorDash and the supermarket chain Aldi launched on-demand alcohol delivery services in the US.