LONDON - Sainsbury??s announced earlier this week that its online grocery orders are averaging more than 165,000 a week, generating more than ?750 million ($1.2 billion U.S.) annually, which makes it the second largest online food retailer in the U.K., TalkingRetail.com reports.

The grocer has realized 20% growth on orders, making it one of the "fastest-growing online grocery business[es]," according to the company, a rise driven by "industry-leading customer service."

Sainsburys?? online business is tightly coordinated with its website, where orders are hand-picked by colleagues in local stores, which reduces the distances drivers travel to customers?? homes. The company currently employs 3,000 delivery drivers.

"Thousands of new customers are choosing Sainsburys.co.uk each week because it??s simple to use and like our stores, people are assured of the service they??ll receive," said Jon Rudo, director of online at Sainsbury??s. "We??re proud of our successes so far, but it doesn??t stop here, we??ve got ambitious growth targets which we??ll reach by continuing to deliver the best possible experience for our loyal and new customers."

Sainsbury??s also offers Click & Collect service, where consumers place an order online and pick it up at one of more than 900 supermarkets and convenience stores.