The popular online retailer Amazon has launched its own internet grocery store. It will vie with the delivery services of major supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s. It will present consumers a range of 22,000 household items.

The store which was commenced yesterday, will sell leading brands including Pampers, Ariel, Uncle Ben’s, Dolmio, Kraft, Schwartz, Kenco, as well as Bakers and Purina One pet foods.

Customers could pay a £49 annual membership fee for unlimited one day delivery or choose from Amazon’s standard range of delivery options.

Amazon’s grocery Director James Leeson said, “Amazon.co.uk’s aim is to be the place where customers can find and discover any product they want to buy online”.

Amazon, which started an online bookshop, already sells groceries in the US and has started its supermarket service in Germany. Amazon's growth has been beyond belief over the past 10 years. Its total global sales rose 28 per cent last year to $24.5bn (£16bn). It is 10 times higher than in 1999. It has forayed into clothing, electronics and toys, DIY tools and car accessories.

It commenced its own MP3 download service, last year.

Amazon will be storing 2,000 products at its five stockrooms around the UK. Its largest facility is of 800,000 square feet and it is located at Swansea Bay in Wales. The remaining products, including fresh and chilled items, will be sent by outside suppliers.