In China’s competitive food delivery scene, three major players—Ele.me, Meituan and JD.com—have recently launched aggressive low-price strategies to grab market share. From boosted subsidies to flash deals, Meituan even unveiled a 100 billion yuan subsidy plan, turning the sector into a full-blown discount battlefield.
To cool the price war, the State Administration for Market Regulation convened a roundtable with the platforms and urged them to align their promotions with the country’s e-commerce, anti-unfair competition and food safety laws. The regulator emphasized that healthy rivalry should never compromise legal compliance or consumer trust.
Beyond individual campaigns, the directive highlights the need for collaboration in fostering a sustainable catering service industry on the Chinese mainland. Platforms were reminded that fair competition and consumer protection go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for digital markets worldwide.
As food delivery evolves, rational competition could not only benefit Chinese consumers but also serve as a model for global markets grappling with digital-era subsidy wars. For today’s global citizens, entrepreneurs and change-makers, this move spotlights how regulation and innovation can balance to shape the future of online services.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
