
Core Insights - The ongoing subsidy war in the food delivery sector is reshaping consumer expectations for low prices, with some referring to it as a "benefit of the era" for the post-2000 generation [1] - Major platforms like Meituan, Taobao Flash Sale, and Ele.me are significantly increasing their daily order volumes, with Meituan surpassing 1.2 billion orders and Taobao Flash Sale exceeding 80 million [1][3] - The competition is intensifying, with Taobao Flash Sale and JD's delivery service announcing substantial subsidy plans, including 50 billion yuan for merchants and consumers over the next year [1] Delivery Platform Performance - Meituan's daily orders have exceeded 1 billion, while Taobao Flash Sale and Ele.me reported over 80 million daily orders, indicating strong consumer engagement with subsidies [1] - JD's delivery service has achieved over 2.5 million daily orders within four months of launch, showcasing rapid growth in the sector [1] Impact on Beverage Brands - The beverage sector, particularly tea and coffee shops, is experiencing significant growth due to subsidies, with order volumes in cities like Nanjing and Suzhou increasing by 200% and 233% respectively [3][4] - Popular beverage brands are now offering products at drastically reduced prices, with discounts reaching up to 55% compared to regular store prices [3] Sales Growth and Records - Brands like Yihe Tang have reported record-breaking sales, with daily revenues surpassing 27 million yuan on Meituan and total weekend sales exceeding 63 million yuan [5] - The rapid increase in orders has led to some brands experiencing a surge in sales, with Yihe Tang's performance exceeding previous peak periods [5] Operational Challenges - The sudden influx of orders poses operational challenges for brands, including staffing shortages and increased pressure on service quality [10][12] - While some brands benefit from increased sales, the profit margins are squeezed due to the high costs associated with delivery platforms [13] Long-term Implications - The intense competition and price wars may lead to unsustainable practices in the long run, with brands facing pressure to maintain low prices [16] - The trend of declining average meal prices is evident, with a reported 10.2% decrease in average dining prices expected in 2024 [16]