The cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries is one of the most common questions entrepreneurs and retailers in the UK are asking in 2025. With online grocery shopping becoming an essential part of everyday life, Tesco has set a benchmark in the digital retail space. Its app combines convenience, scale, and trust—making it a go-to platform for millions of UK shoppers.
For businesses exploring the on-demand retail and grocery sector, Tesco provides the perfect case study. Its digital transformation has not only boosted sales but also enhanced customer loyalty through features like real-time delivery tracking, personalized offers, and seamless payments. Understanding how Tesco built its app, and what it costs to replicate such a solution today, is critical for any startup or retailer aiming to capture market share in the booming online grocery sector.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything—from Tesco Groceries app features to factors that influence development costs, timelines, revenue models, and the ROI you can expect when building a Tesco-like grocery app in the UK.
Tesco Groceries App Overview
Tesco, one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, has long been a pioneer in digital adoption. The Tesco Groceries app, launched to simplify online shopping, has become a household essential for millions of customers. As of 2025, the app boasts millions of downloads across iOS and Android, with active users engaging weekly for fresh groceries, household essentials, and scheduled deliveries.
One of the key reasons the Tesco app dominates the UK market is its seamless integration of in-store inventory with digital orders. Customers can browse thousands of products, check availability in real time, and enjoy flexible delivery slots—making it a highly reliable service compared to many newer grocery apps.
The platform has also evolved with smart innovations, such as personalized product suggestions, Tesco Clubcard integration for loyalty rewards, and AI-driven pricing strategies. This makes Tesco’s app more than just a shopping platform—it’s a complete digital ecosystem for grocery retail.
For businesses evaluating the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, understanding this background is essential. The app is not just about placing an order; it’s about building an ecosystem that connects supply chains, customer data, and digital payments seamlessly.
Why Build an App Like Tesco Groceries in 2025?
The cost to develop a grocery app like Tesco Groceries becomes easier to justify when you understand why the UK market is primed for such apps in 2025. Online grocery shopping is no longer a niche trend—it’s a necessity driven by consumer demand, competitive pricing, and lifestyle changes.
Growth of Online Grocery Shopping in the UK
The UK has one of the fastest-growing online grocery markets in Europe, with billions in annual revenue flowing through digital platforms. A combination of busy urban lifestyles, rising fuel costs, and the demand for home delivery has accelerated adoption. Tesco, alongside players like Sainsbury’s, Ocado, and Asda, has capitalized on this shift by making digital grocery shopping more convenient than ever.
Consumer Behavior Shifts Post-Pandemic
While online grocery adoption surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, what’s remarkable is that demand hasn’t slowed down in 2025. Consumers now prefer to order weekly groceries online, choosing between same-day delivery, click & collect, or scheduled slots. Tesco’s app has become a case study in maintaining post-pandemic momentum, proving that grocery apps are not a temporary trend but a long-term consumer behavior shift.
Competitive Edge of Tesco’s Model
Tesco didn’t just launch a grocery delivery app—it created a data-driven retail model. The integration of Tesco Clubcard rewards, digital coupons, and personalized product recommendations has given it a sharp competitive edge. For new businesses, replicating this model means capturing customers with loyalty-focused features, not just delivery options.
In short, building a Tesco-like app in 2025 is about tapping into a high-demand, stable, and future-ready market. The right investment ensures that your app can compete with industry giants by focusing on customer experience, reliability, and smart personalization.
Key Features of Tesco Groceries App
When evaluating the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, features play the biggest role. The Tesco app is not just a basic ordering platform—it’s a full-fledged digital retail ecosystem that integrates customer convenience, logistics management, and advanced personalization. Let’s break down the key features.
Customer-Facing Features
- Easy Registration & Login – Tesco simplifies onboarding with email, phone, and even social logins. Clubcard members can directly link their accounts.
- Product Browsing & Smart Search – Customers can search by product name, category, or even past purchases. Predictive search makes browsing effortless.
- Cart & Wishlist Management – Adding, saving, and editing items is smooth, encouraging repeat purchases.
- Flexible Delivery & Pickup Options – From same-day home delivery to “Click & Collect,” Tesco gives customers the choice.
- Clubcard Integration – Shoppers earn loyalty points and access personalized discounts seamlessly within the app.
Delivery & Logistics Features
- Real-Time Order Tracking – Customers can track order preparation, dispatch, and delivery in real time.
- Multiple Delivery Slots – Tesco lets users pick convenient delivery windows, reducing missed deliveries.
- Route Optimization for Drivers – AI-based routing ensures faster and more cost-efficient deliveries.
- Contactless Delivery Options – Essential in a post-pandemic world, enhancing safety and trust.
Admin & Retail Management Features
- Inventory Synchronization – The app connects with Tesco’s in-store systems to ensure stock accuracy.
- Price & Discount Management – Admins can adjust prices dynamically based on demand and promotions.
- User Analytics & Reports – Tesco tracks purchase behavior, enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Complaint & Feedback Management – In-built systems help resolve customer issues quickly.
Tesco’s Unique Innovations
- Voice Search & AI Recommendations – Customers get product suggestions based on past shopping history.
- Clubcard Digital Wallet – Beyond discounts, Tesco integrates payment features with loyalty.
- Sustainability Options – Users can choose eco-friendly delivery slots, aligning with Tesco’s green initiatives.
These features highlight why Tesco’s app dominates the UK grocery market. For any business considering the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, building even a minimum viable product (MVP) requires careful consideration of these features, especially loyalty programs and delivery slot management.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop an App Like Tesco Groceries
The cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries in the UK depends on multiple variables. These factors go beyond coding and design—they determine scalability, compliance, and user experience. Understanding them is essential before estimating your total investment.
Feature Set Complexity
The more advanced features you include, the higher the cost. A basic grocery app with product browsing and checkout costs significantly less than a Tesco-level app with Clubcard loyalty integration, AI recommendations, and route optimization. Each added feature adds to development hours and budget.
UI/UX Design Quality
Tesco’s app is simple yet powerful, with easy navigation, clean layouts, and personalized sections. Designing such an intuitive UI/UX requires expert designers and extensive user testing. In the UK, design costs are higher compared to offshore markets but critical for user adoption.
Technology Stack
Choosing the right tech stack is vital. Tesco’s app leverages robust backend systems, cloud hosting, and APIs for payments, inventory, and notifications. The decision between native (Swift/Kotlin) and cross-platform (Flutter/React Native) development also affects costs, timelines, and scalability.
Integration with Payment Gateways & Loyalty Programs
A Tesco-like app isn’t complete without secure payments and Clubcard integration. Adding multiple payment options—credit/debit cards, wallets, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay—requires PCI DSS compliance and security protocols, all of which add to the budget.
Cloud Hosting & Scalability
Tesco handles millions of users and transactions daily, which means scalable cloud infrastructure. Using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud ensures uptime and reliability, but hosting and scaling costs can be substantial over time.
Compliance & Security (UK Data Protection Laws)
The UK has strict regulations under GDPR. Any Tesco-like app must secure user data, payment details, and shopping history with encryption, secure servers, and compliance audits. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, so security implementation is non-negotiable.
Development Team Size & Location
Hiring a UK-based development team costs significantly more than outsourcing to regions like Eastern Europe or India. However, local teams offer better compliance expertise and market understanding. Typically, a Tesco-level app requires a team of 8–12 professionals:
- Project Manager
- UI/UX Designers
- Frontend Developers
- Backend Developers
- QA/Test Engineers
- Cloud/DevOps Engineers
- Security Specialists
Each factor directly influences how much you’ll invest in developing a Tesco-like grocery app in 2025. The closer you want your app to replicate Tesco’s scale, security, and personalization, the higher the budget.
Cost Breakdown of Tesco Groceries App Development (UK, 2025)
The cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries depends on the scale and features you want to include. In 2025, UK businesses should expect to spend anywhere from £80,000 to £250,000+ depending on complexity, integrations, and post-launch support. Let’s look at the cost components in detail.
Research & Planning Phase
Before writing a single line of code, product discovery and market research are essential. This includes competitor analysis, feature planning, and roadmap creation.
Estimated Cost: £5,000 – £12,000
UI/UX Design Costs
Designing a Tesco-level app involves user journey mapping, wireframing, and interactive prototypes. Tesco’s app succeeds because it makes grocery shopping intuitive and frictionless.
Estimated Cost: £10,000 – £25,000
Frontend & Backend Development Costs
This is the largest cost driver. The app needs native or cross-platform frontend and a robust backend capable of handling thousands of concurrent orders. Features like product catalogs, payments, loyalty systems, and delivery tracking demand extensive coding hours.
Estimated Cost: £35,000 – £90,000
Third-Party API Integrations
Tesco’s app integrates with multiple third-party services such as payment gateways (Visa, PayPal, Apple Pay), maps & GPS APIs, notification services, and loyalty systems. Each integration adds development effort and licensing costs.
Estimated Cost: £8,000 – £20,000
Testing & Quality Assurance
To match Tesco’s reliability, apps must undergo unit testing, functional testing, performance testing, and security audits. A flawless user experience builds trust in grocery shopping apps.
Estimated Cost: £8,000 – £15,000
Deployment & App Store Launch
Releasing the app on Google Play and Apple App Store requires compliance with store policies, app optimizations, and approvals. Post-launch monitoring is also critical.
Estimated Cost: £3,000 – £7,000
Maintenance & Updates
Tesco updates its app constantly with bug fixes, new features, and security patches. Businesses should budget for ongoing maintenance and server costs.
Estimated Annual Cost: £15,000 – £40,000
Quick Cost Snapshot (2025, UK)
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
| Research & Planning | £5,000 – £12,000 |
| UI/UX Design | £10,000 – £25,000 |
| Frontend & Backend Development | £35,000 – £90,000 |
| Third-Party Integrations | £8,000 – £20,000 |
| Testing & QA | £8,000 – £15,000 |
| Deployment & Launch | £3,000 – £7,000 |
| Maintenance (Annual) | £15,000 – £40,000 |
Total Development Cost Range: £80,000 – £250,000+
This breakdown shows why Tesco’s app is considered enterprise-level grocery software. Businesses aiming to compete in the UK grocery space should view it as a long-term investment, not just a one-time build.
Tesco Groceries App Clone vs Custom Build
When estimating the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, businesses often face the decision between using a clone script or opting for a custom-built solution. Both approaches have their merits, but they serve very different goals.
Tesco Groceries App Clone
A clone script is a ready-made template designed to replicate Tesco’s core functionality. It includes features like product browsing, cart management, payment integration, and basic delivery tracking. Clones allow startups to launch faster and at a lower cost, usually between £20,000 and £50,000.
However, clone apps come with serious limitations:
- Lack of flexibility to add unique features.
- Higher security risks compared to custom development.
- Poor scalability when handling large order volumes.
- Generic UI/UX, which makes it hard to stand out in the UK market.
For small startups looking to test the waters, a Tesco clone may serve as a minimum viable product (MVP). But for businesses aiming to compete at Tesco’s level, it’s rarely a long-term solution.
Custom Build (Full-Scale Tesco-Like App)
A custom build replicates Tesco’s enterprise-grade features, while also allowing for innovation and differentiation. This includes AI-driven recommendations, Clubcard-style loyalty programs, advanced delivery slot management, and compliance with UK data protection laws.
The benefits of custom builds include:
- Scalability – Handles millions of transactions as the user base grows.
- Security – Full control over architecture and GDPR compliance.
- Customization – Tailored features to meet specific business goals.
- Competitive Edge – Ability to innovate beyond Tesco’s offerings.
Of course, custom development costs are higher, ranging from £80,000 to £250,000+, but it ensures your app is future-proof, secure, and aligned with your brand identity.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If your goal is to quickly validate an idea, a clone app works as a short-term strategy. But if you want to compete with Tesco and other UK giants, investing in a custom-built grocery app is the smarter move. It may require a larger upfront investment, but it delivers better ROI, long-term stability, and customer trust.
Timeframe to Develop an App Like Tesco Groceries
Alongside the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, businesses must also consider how long it takes to bring such a project to life. On average, building a Tesco-level grocery app in the UK takes 6 to 12 months, depending on complexity, feature set, and development approach.
Average Development Timeline
- Research & Planning (2–4 weeks): Market research, competitor benchmarking, and feature prioritization.
- UI/UX Design (4–6 weeks): Wireframes, prototypes, and user journey testing to ensure intuitive navigation.
- Frontend & Backend Development (12–20 weeks): Core coding for customer, admin, and delivery modules, plus integrations with payments, maps, and inventory systems.
- Testing & QA (4–6 weeks): Performance testing, security audits, and bug fixes. Tesco-level reliability demands rigorous QA.
- Deployment & App Store Launch (2–3 weeks): Submission, compliance checks, and go-live activities.
- Post-Launch Maintenance (Ongoing): Regular updates, bug fixes, and feature upgrades.
Agile Development Approach
Leading development teams, including those building Tesco-like solutions, often adopt the Agile methodology. Instead of waiting until the end, features are built and released in sprints, giving you a working product sooner and enabling faster feedback cycles.
For example, an MVP with core shopping features (product browsing, cart, payments, and delivery slots) can be launched in 4–5 months. More advanced capabilities like AI-driven recommendations, loyalty programs, and supply chain integrations are then rolled out in later sprints.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay Development
- Scope Creep: Adding new features mid-project increases timelines.
- Team Size: Larger, experienced teams can deliver faster but increase costs.
- Technology Stack: Cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native) can reduce development time compared to fully native builds.
- Compliance Requirements: Meeting GDPR and UK financial regulations can extend testing phases.
In short, building a Tesco-like grocery app is not a quick project—it’s a strategic digital investment. By planning your roadmap carefully, you can launch within a year while ensuring long-term scalability.
Revenue Models for Tesco-Like Grocery Apps
When considering the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries, it’s equally important to analyze how such apps generate revenue. Tesco’s app isn’t just about customer convenience—it’s a revenue engine designed to maximize margins and customer lifetime value. If you’re planning to build a Tesco-like grocery app in the UK, here are the proven revenue models you can adopt.
Delivery Charges & Convenience Fees
Tesco charges fees based on order size, delivery slot, and speed. Customers often pay £2–£7 per delivery depending on the urgency. Some slots (like eco-friendly off-peak hours) are cheaper, while same-day delivery costs more. This flexibility boosts overall profitability while offering customer choice.
Subscription & Membership Models
Tesco Clubcard Plus members enjoy discounts on groceries, fuel, and deliveries. By bundling perks into a paid subscription model, Tesco ensures recurring revenue. Grocery startups can replicate this by offering monthly or yearly memberships for unlimited free deliveries or exclusive deals.
Advertising & Partnerships
Tesco leverages its massive customer base by allowing brands to advertise within the app. From featured product placements to personalized recommendations, FMCG companies pay Tesco to ensure visibility. For a new app, advertising can quickly become a secondary revenue stream once user traffic grows.
Data Monetization Opportunities
Tesco collects rich insights into customer preferences, shopping habits, and seasonal demand. While data is anonymized under GDPR, retailers can still use analytics to refine inventory, negotiate supplier contracts, and create personalized upselling opportunities. Startups building Tesco-like apps can tap into similar opportunities by harnessing AI-driven data insights.
Partner Ecosystem & Cross-Selling
Tesco extends its reach by cross-selling beyond groceries, such as insurance, telecom, and financial products. While this diversification requires scale, smaller startups can partner with local businesses—like meal kit providers or pharmacies—to add new revenue streams.
In essence, a Tesco-like app isn’t just a shopping platform—it’s a multi-channel revenue model. By combining delivery fees, subscriptions, advertising, and data insights, businesses can recoup their development costs quickly while scaling sustainably in the competitive UK grocery market.
ROI & Market Opportunities in the UK Grocery Sector (2025)
Investing in the cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries only makes sense if the return on investment (ROI) is compelling. Fortunately, the UK grocery sector continues to show strong digital growth, making 2025 a promising year for businesses entering this space.
Tesco’s Market Influence
Tesco dominates the UK grocery market with over 27% market share, and its digital arm is one of the fastest-growing segments. The Tesco Groceries app processes millions of orders each month, showing just how massive the demand is for online grocery solutions. Competitors like Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Ocado are also investing heavily, which proves the sector’s long-term viability.
Growth Forecasts for Grocery Apps
Reports estimate that the UK’s online grocery market will exceed £25 billion by 2025, with double-digit year-on-year growth. This growth is fueled by urban consumers, digital natives, and busy professionals who prefer the convenience of app-based grocery shopping. For startups, this means the potential to capture a slice of an expanding, high-value market.
Investor & Retailer Opportunities
For investors, grocery apps are considered high-retention digital products. Shoppers order weekly, meaning higher frequency and predictable revenue compared to other eCommerce categories. Retailers can also leverage the app to expand into new regions, offer subscription models, and upsell additional services.
For example:
- A mid-sized grocery chain could recover app development costs within 12–18 months through delivery fees, subscriptions, and increased order volumes.
- Startups that differentiate with niche offerings (organic produce, hyperlocal delivery, or sustainability-focused features) can tap into underserved markets and achieve higher ROI.
Why 2025 is the Right Time
UK consumers are now accustomed to digital-first grocery experiences. The pandemic accelerated adoption, but the continued convenience has cemented the trend. With new innovations like AI-driven recommendations, contactless delivery, and eco-friendly options, 2025 presents the best timing for businesses to invest in Tesco-like grocery apps.
Why Choose bestech for Tesco-Like Grocery App Development?
Building a Tesco-level grocery app requires more than just coding—it demands industry expertise, scalable technology, and long-term support. As a leading grocery app development company,, we specialize in delivering high-performance, custom-built applications that help retailers and startups thrive in competitive markets like the UK.
Expertise in Grocery & On-Demand App Development
We have worked on multiple on-demand and retail app projects, giving us deep insights into what it takes to succeed in the grocery delivery sector. Whether you want a Tesco-like app or a niche grocery platform, our team designs solutions that match your vision and market needs.
UK-Focused Compliance & Scalability
Our solutions are built with GDPR compliance, PCI DSS security standards, and UK-specific regulations in mind. We ensure your app can handle thousands of concurrent users while remaining secure, scalable, and future-ready.
End-to-End Development Services
From discovery and design to development, deployment, and ongoing support, bestech delivers the entire development lifecycle. We don’t just build apps—we create long-term digital assets that scale with your business.
Innovation-Driven Approach
We go beyond clone apps. Our solutions include AI-driven recommendations, loyalty program integrations, smart delivery slot systems, and real-time analytics, helping you compete with Tesco while offering your unique edge.
Partnering with bestech means you’re not just hiring developers—you’re gaining a technology partner who understands the UK market and is invested in your growth.
Conclusion
The cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries in the UK (2025) ranges between £80,000 and £250,000+, depending on whether you choose a clone app or a custom-built enterprise solution. While a Tesco-level app requires significant investment, the ROI potential is extremely high due to recurring customer demand, multiple revenue models, and the rapid growth of online grocery shopping.
Tesco has set the standard for grocery apps in the UK, but that doesn’t mean new entrants can’t compete. By focusing on customer convenience, scalable infrastructure, compliance, and smart innovations, your business can build a profitable and sustainable grocery delivery app.
If you’re planning to launch your own Tesco-like app, partnering with an experienced development company like bestech ensures you’ll get the right blend of technology, compliance, and market expertise.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries in the UK?
The cost to develop an app like Tesco Groceries typically falls between £80,000 and £250,000+. The final budget depends on the number of features, design quality, technology stack, compliance requirements, and whether you build a clone or a custom solution.
2. How long does it take to build a Tesco groceries clone app?
A basic Tesco clone app can be developed in 4–6 months, while a full-featured, custom-built solution may take 6–12 months. Using Agile development, businesses can launch an MVP early and add advanced features in later sprints.
3. What features are must-haves for a successful grocery delivery app?
Essential features include easy registration, smart product search, cart management, flexible delivery slots, secure payments, and real-time tracking. To compete with Tesco, you should also add loyalty programs, AI recommendations, and personalized offers.
4. Is it better to build a Tesco clone app or a custom solution?
A Tesco clone app is cheaper and faster to launch, but it comes with limitations in scalability and customization. A custom build requires a larger investment but ensures security, compliance, and long-term ROI, making it the better choice for serious businesses.
5. How do grocery delivery apps like Tesco make money?
Tesco generates revenue through delivery charges, subscriptions (Clubcard Plus), advertising, and supplier partnerships. Startups can adopt similar models, with additional opportunities in data-driven personalization and cross-selling.
6. What is the average maintenance cost of a Tesco-like app in the UK?
Annual maintenance, updates, and cloud hosting can cost between £15,000 and £40,000. This ensures your app remains secure, bug-free, and competitive with regular feature upgrades.
