The value of online grocer Ocado has fallen sharply after Kroger, its major partner in the US, announced the closure of three warehouses using the UK company’s high-tech equipment.

Ocado signed a deal to build 20 automated warehouses – known as customer fulfilment centres – for Kroger, the US’s fourth largest retailer, in 2018. Eight of those facilities are currently operating with two more planned for next year. The deal was seen as a major part of Ocado’s plan to sell its online grocery delivery technology internationally.

However, on Tuesday, Kroger said sites in Frederick in Maryland, Pleasant Prairie in Wisconsin, and Groveland in Florida would close in January. Shares in Ocado were down more than 17% on Tuesday after the announcement, wiping about £350m off the value of the com

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