Group 1 - The core point of the article is the intense competition in the Chinese food delivery market, particularly between Meituan and Taobao, with record-breaking order volumes being reported [2][3][6] - On July 5, Meituan announced it achieved over 120 million orders in a single day, marking the highest order volume ever recorded by a single company in history [2] - Taobao, a major competitor, reported over 80 million orders on the same day, showcasing its rapid growth in the food delivery sector since launching the service in May [3][4] Group 2 - The overall daily capacity of the Chinese food delivery market was around 10 million orders before the competition intensified, but it surged to over 20 million orders by July [6] - The competition was initially sparked by JD.com, but the main battle has shifted to Taobao versus Meituan, with Alibaba's Taobao taking a leading role [7][8][9] - Taobao's entry into the food delivery market is seen as a strategic move to leverage its existing user base and enhance its e-commerce business [14][33] Group 3 - Alibaba's acquisition of Ele.me in 2018 did not yield significant results, with the platform struggling to achieve profitability and maintain market share against Meituan [16][17] - The integration of Ele.me into Taobao's operations indicates a shift in strategy, allowing Taobao to absorb Ele.me's losses and utilize its cash flow [26] - Taobao's existing delivery network and user traffic provide a competitive advantage over JD.com and other entrants in the food delivery market [28][30] Group 4 - The ongoing food delivery war has led to significant consumer benefits, with many enjoying substantial discounts and promotions [11][12] - However, the competition primarily favors large chain brands, as platforms tend to allocate subsidies to them due to lower operational costs compared to smaller businesses [53][54] - The long-term implications of these subsidies may lead to a shift in consumer behavior, with more customers opting for delivery over in-store purchases, potentially harming smaller restaurants [62][63]
巨头决战外卖,将如何影响众多餐饮品牌?