Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-20 12:19Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions between the market regulatory authority and major food delivery platforms like Meituan, Ele.me, and JD have not led to a significant reduction in aggressive promotional strategies, particularly concerning "0 yuan purchase" and "0.1 second kill" offers, indicating ongoing fierce competition in the food delivery sector [2][12]. Group 1: Regulatory Response and Market Behavior - The market regulatory authority has urged platforms to engage in rational competition and standardize promotions, aiming to create a healthier ecosystem for consumers, merchants, delivery personnel, and platform companies [13][19]. - Despite the regulatory talks, the competitive landscape remains intense, with platforms like Meituan and Taobao still offering "0 yuan purchase" and substantial low-price subsidies, albeit in a more discreet manner compared to previous weeks [12][19]. - JD has adopted a more restrained approach, with less aggressive promotional tactics compared to its competitors [11][12]. Group 2: Impact on Merchants and Delivery Personnel - Merchants are increasingly vocal against the detrimental effects of the subsidy wars, highlighting a cycle where non-participation leads to a lack of visibility, while participation results in financial losses [15][18]. - The delivery personnel, while experiencing increased earnings during the subsidy period, face heightened labor intensity and safety risks, creating a precarious situation for their long-term sustainability [18][19]. Group 3: Changes in Retail Dynamics - The ongoing food delivery competition is reshaping the broader retail landscape, with platforms transitioning from traditional roles to becoming comprehensive service providers, integrating various services beyond food delivery [20][21]. - User consumption habits are evolving towards immediate gratification, with a shift from planned shopping to on-demand purchasing, compelling traditional e-commerce to adapt [22][23]. - The competition is pushing supply chains to the forefront, necessitating rapid fulfillment capabilities and localized inventory management to meet consumer demands effectively [23][24]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The food delivery battle is expected to gradually cool down, transitioning from price wars to value-based competition, similar to past market dynamics seen in ride-hailing and bike-sharing sectors [19][24]. - The long-term competitive advantages will hinge on data utilization, fulfillment efficiency, and ecosystem collaboration, as platforms strive to convert high-frequency orders into profitable low-frequency services [24][25].