CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. announced plans to expand its grocery delivery coverage area in 2018 by adding 500 stores and curbside pickup locations to the service, which uses grocery delivery specialist Instacart to transport groceries to the shopper’s doorstep.

“As part of Restock Kroger, we are investing in redefining our customers’ grocery shopping experience by bringing online and offline seamlessly together,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer. “Having grown our digital sales in 2017 by 90%, we continue to accelerate our digital road map in 2018 to make shopping with Kroger simpler and more personalized.”

Kroger currently delivers from more than 872 stores across the country, and it offers 1,091 curbside pickup locations.

“When you look at Kroger’s customer coverage area for seamless shopping, two-thirds of our customers — more than 40 million households — have access to curbside pickup and/or delivery,” added Cosset. “Our goal is for these convenient services to be available to every customer.”

Kroger said it plans to continue to expand its coverage area and enhance its digital shopping experience, which customers access via the company’s website or its mobile app.

“We are thrilled to work with Kroger and share the same vision of bringing same-day grocery delivery to more American households and cities every day,” said Nilam Ganenthiran, Instacart’s chief business officer. “When an admired household brand such as Kroger unites with a leading technology platform in Instacart, it is our customers who ultimately win.”

Kroger now offers home delivery in 45 markets through Instacart and other delivery partners representing the following divisions: Atlanta, Central, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Houston, King Soopers, Louisville, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Michigan, Mid-Atlantic, Nashville, Pic ‘n Save, Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s.