The technical problems plaguing Ocado's central warehouse in recent weeks are now resolved, according to one of its founders.

A fortnight ago we revealed that the online grocer's ordering and picking software at its Hatfield depot was not working, resulting in multiple missing items in customers' deliveries.

As recently as last Saturday, one regular customer told The Grocer her order was missing eight items - including three that were listed as having been delivered. But on Tuesday this week co-founder Jason Gissing insisted all was well. "We've resolved the problems we had, so it is back to business as usual," he told us.

Ocado has been sending regular letters of apology to customers in a bid to smooth things over - including one signed by Gissing in which he said: "Our records suggest that you would be well within your rights to tear up this letter and never shop with us again rather than read my explanation!"

In the letter, dated 4 May, but not delivered until 10 May, Gissing also wrote: "I would encourage you to liken us to the mobile phone - when that technology was first introduced, call quality was sometimes patchy and the phone that you used was heavy and inefficient. Now that phone plays music, takes photos and you can use it all over the globe.

"My point is that our service is the worst it will ever be - as we grow and learn we will improve."

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