Core Viewpoint - The competition in the food delivery industry is shifting from price wars to a focus on service, quality, and efficiency, with major platforms calling for a halt to disorderly competition and emphasizing the protection of riders and merchants' interests [1][2][6]. Group 1: Industry Competition Dynamics - Major platforms including Meituan, Taobao Ele.me, and JD have publicly committed to resisting disorderly competition, indicating a collective effort to foster a healthier industry ecosystem [1][2]. - The "delivery war" intensified with JD's entry into the market in Q2 2025, leading to aggressive competition among the three platforms, particularly around rider welfare and merchant commissions [3][5]. - The recent "subsidy war" initiated by Taobao Flash Sale, which involved a 500 billion yuan subsidy plan, has significantly increased order volumes, but many merchants report that their profits have not improved despite higher order counts [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Responses - Regulatory bodies have been urging the cessation of disorderly competition across various industries, emphasizing that while competition can benefit consumers, it must adhere to certain rules to avoid negative consequences [2][6]. - Following government pressure, the platforms have increased their efforts to improve rider benefits and support merchants, indicating a shift in focus from aggressive pricing strategies to enhancing service quality [7][8]. Group 3: Future Directions in Competition - The industry is moving towards a model that prioritizes rider welfare and food safety, with initiatives such as Meituan's "Raccoon Canteen" and JD's investment in rider benefits and food safety measures [8][9][10]. - Companies are expected to invest significantly in improving the overall ecosystem, with Meituan planning to invest 100 billion yuan over three years to enhance food safety and transparency in the delivery process [8][9].
外卖大战“停火”?三大平台集体发声