Retail giant The Kroger Co. has inked a deal with online supermarket Ocado to ramp up its digital capabilities.

Under the exclusive partnership covering the U.S. market, Cincinnati-based Kroger will gain access to Ocado’s Smart Platform, which includes online ordering, automated fulfillment and home delivery capabilities.

As part of the deal, Kroger will increase its existing investment in Ocado by 5 percent through a subscription rights agreement.

"We see Ocado as an innovative, exciting and transformative partnership in pursuit of our Restock Kroger vision, to serve America through food inspiration and uplift," says Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We are actively creating a seamless digital experience for our customers. Our partnership with Ocado will speed up our efforts to redefine the food and grocery customer experience – creating value for customers and shareholders alike."