MEITUAN(HK:03690) Huan Qiu Wang·2025-07-13 03:25Core Insights - The Chinese food delivery industry is expected to reach a critical turning point in 2025, with user numbers surpassing 592 million and market size exceeding 1 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, marking the transition to a "three-legged" competitive landscape with the entry of JD Delivery [1][3] - The shift in consumer demand from "convenience" to "quality" is accelerating, prompting platforms to upgrade their competitive strategies [1][3] Industry Dynamics - For the past decade, Meituan and Ele.me have held over 90% of the market share, but JD Delivery's entry is disrupting this balance [3] - JD Delivery leverages its strengths in supply chain and logistics to focus on high-value orders and niche categories like fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, creating differentiated competition [3] - Analysts suggest that JD's entry will force traditional giants to enhance service quality, potentially shifting the industry focus from "price wars" to "service wars" [3] Strategic Shifts - 2025 is viewed as the "year of quality consumption upgrade" in the food delivery sector, with major platforms prioritizing supply chain optimization, delivery efficiency, and food safety [3] - Meituan has launched a "30-minute delivery" upgrade plan, while Ele.me has formed a "transparent kitchen" alliance with leading restaurant brands to enhance food safety [3] - JD Delivery promotes a "1-hour precise delivery" service, utilizing Dada Group's extensive instant delivery network [3] Competitive Landscape - Despite the emphasis on quality upgrades, the "subsidy war" in the food delivery sector continues, albeit with more refined strategies [4] - Research indicates that coupon designs from Meituan, Ele.me, and JD Delivery focus on low-price offerings, particularly in the 20 yuan range, while reducing subsidies for higher-value orders [4] Market Opportunities - The strategy of offering significant discounts on low-priced items is expected to benefit the tea beverage segment, with the proportion of tea orders in food delivery projected to exceed 40% in 2025 [5] - Leading tea brands like Mixue Ice City and Luckin Coffee are likely to expand their market share through food delivery channels [5] - The industry is shifting from "incremental competition" to "stock competition," with platforms needing to build barriers through diverse supply capabilities, technology-driven efficiency, and stringent food safety standards [5] Consumer Impact - The food delivery market in 2025 is anticipated to offer "better prices, faster speeds, and more choices," creating competitive advantages for platforms that can effectively capture consumer upgrade trends while balancing costs and experiences [5]