What's happened
JD.com has rapidly gained traction in China's food delivery market, amassing 25 million daily orders since launching its service in February 2025. This surge poses a significant challenge to Meituan, which has dominated the sector. JD's founder, Richard Liu, is actively promoting the service, even engaging with delivery personnel directly.
What's behind the headline?
Market Dynamics
- JD.com has successfully captured over half the volume of Meituan's food delivery orders, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences.
- The aggressive recruitment of delivery personnel by JD.com, including founder Richard Liu's personal involvement, highlights the company's commitment to enhancing service quality.
Competitive Landscape
- Meituan, which previously held a dominant position, is now facing challenges as JD.com expands its market presence.
- The ongoing price war in the instant delivery market reflects broader economic pressures, with companies forced to adapt to changing consumer habits.
Future Outlook
- JD.com's innovative delivery model and focus on food safety could set new standards in the industry, potentially reshaping consumer expectations.
- As competition heats up, Meituan may need to reassess its strategies to maintain its market share amidst rising challenges from JD.com and Alibaba.
What the papers say
According to Bloomberg, JD.com has amassed 25 million daily takeout orders, overtaking Meituan's previous dominance in the food delivery market. Richard Liu's personal engagement with delivery personnel has been a notable strategy to enhance brand visibility and service quality. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlights the challenges Meituan faces in adapting to changing consumer habits amid a price war, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments to retain market share. The competitive landscape is further complicated by Alibaba's Ele.me, which has also seen significant order volumes, indicating a rapidly evolving market.
How we got here
JD.com launched its food delivery service in February 2025, aiming to capture market share from established players like Meituan and Alibaba's Ele.me. The competitive landscape has intensified due to sluggish consumer spending and aggressive pricing strategies among rivals.
Go deeper
- How is Meituan responding to JD.com's growth?
- What impact will this have on consumers?
- Are there any new strategies from Alibaba's Ele.me?
Common question
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How is JD.com Competing with Meituan in Food Delivery?
JD.com has recently entered the food delivery market, rapidly gaining traction and challenging the long-standing dominance of Meituan. With 25 million daily orders since its launch in February 2025, JD.com is reshaping the competitive landscape. This page explores the factors driving this competition and what it means for consumers in China.
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