SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Internet search leader Google is taking another step beyond information retrieval into grocery delivery.

The new service, called Google Shopping Express, will initially provide same-day delivery of food and other products bought online by a small group of consumers in San Francisco and suburbs located south of the city.

If the pilot program goes well, Google Inc. says it will expand delivery service to other markets.

The delivery service announced Thursday is part of Google's effort to increase people's reliance on the Internet so it will have more opportunities to show online ads, which generate most of its revenue.

Amazon.com Inc., eBay Inc. and a few other retailers already offer same-day delivery.

Besides local merchants, major retailers such as Target Inc. and Walgreen Co. are enlisting in Google's delivery service.