the process. The fire was found to have started due a fault in a battery charging unit, and was exacerbated by worker responses. The warehouse was rebuilt, and was operational by August 2021. On 27 February 2019, Ocado and Marks & Spencer announced a Joint Venture, whereby Marks & Spencer acquired a 50% share in Ocado's UK retail business, Ocado.com. Ocado ceased selling own brand groceries from the Waitrose supermarket chain in September 2020. Activities The company licenses Ocado Smart Platform, a proprietary solution for operating retail businesses online. It also owns a 50% share in the UK retail business, Ocado.com (the other 50% is owned by UK retailer Marks & Spencer). Name Jez Frampton, CEO of Interbrand and non-executive director of Ocado, claims the name "Ocado" is "a made-up word, intended to evoke fresh fruit". Neil Taylor, an Interbrand consultant, stated that the name was derived from avocado. See also Webvan List of online grocers References External links 2002 establishments in the United Kingdom John Lewis Partnership Online grocers Online retailers of the United Kingdom Retail companies established in 2002 Companies based in Welwyn Hatfield Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange 2010 initial public offerings