Jing Ji Wang·2025-08-04 01:29Core Viewpoint - The recent "0 yuan purchase" phenomenon in the food delivery market has led to significant waste and unsustainable competition, prompting major platforms to halt irrational promotional activities [1][2][5]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Major food delivery platforms like Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com have collectively decided to stop "0 yuan purchase" and other irrational subsidies, emphasizing the need for sustainable pricing strategies [2][5]. - The recent competition among these platforms has been characterized as "involutionary," where businesses are forced to bear the costs of subsidies, leading to increased commission rates and unsustainable practices [7][11]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The Central Political Bureau's meeting on July 30 highlighted the need for optimizing market competition and regulating disorderly competition, signaling a shift towards more responsible business practices [6][11]. - The draft amendment to the Price Law of the People's Republic of China aims to curb below-cost selling practices, indicating a tightening regulatory framework for the industry [10]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Impact - Consumers have been taking advantage of low prices, leading to excessive ordering and food waste, with reports of businesses discarding unsold products after closing [7][8]. - Experts suggest that consumers attracted by low prices are not loyal, and once subsidies are removed, they quickly switch to other options, highlighting the fragility of this business model [8][11]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Following the announcements from the platforms, stock prices for Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com saw increases, reflecting market optimism for a return to rational competition [11].