Core Viewpoint - The competition between Meituan and JD.com in the food delivery sector has intensified, with both companies engaging in strategic maneuvers and public relations battles to gain market share and consumer favor [1][3][12]. Group 1: Competitive Dynamics - JD.com announced its entry into the food delivery market in February, positioning the battle not just in food delivery but in a broader instant retail context [2]. - Meituan's CEO publicly challenged JD.com, leading to a response from JD.com's founder, who set a profit cap for JD's food delivery service at 5% [4]. - Meituan's net profit margin was reported at 10.6%, but its food delivery segment's profit margin is significantly lower, at nearly 3% [4]. Group 2: Public Relations and Marketing Strategies - JD.com has been leveraging public sentiment by addressing issues such as delivery delays and promising free orders for late deliveries [5]. - Meituan responded to JD.com's claims with clarifications and rebuttals, indicating a back-and-forth in public perception management [6][7]. - JD.com's marketing strategy includes high-profile public appearances by its founder, which have generated significant online buzz [9][10]. Group 3: Market Position and Performance - JD.com currently delivers approximately 5 million orders daily, while Meituan leads with 70-80 million and Ele.me with around 30 million [11]. - Despite the lower order volume, JD.com is employing aggressive tactics like zero commission and substantial subsidies to attract users [11][29]. - Meituan's new instant retail service, "Meituan Flash Purchase," aims to compete directly with JD.com by offering rapid delivery of a wide range of products [15][17]. Group 4: Strategic Comparisons - The competitive landscape is likened to historical military strategies, with Meituan's approach being more defensive and JD.com's being aggressive and bold [13][20]. - Both companies exhibit distinct strategic characteristics, with Meituan focusing on operational efficiency and JD.com on expansive growth and market penetration [23][28]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The ongoing competition is expected to lead to improved service ecosystems, benefiting merchants, delivery personnel, and consumers alike [31].
刘强东和王兴：从“东兴饭局”到“外卖大战”