Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-05 15:03Core Viewpoint - The takeaway from the news is that the food delivery industry is transitioning from a "price war" to a "value competition," with platforms like Meituan initiating support programs for small and medium-sized merchants to promote sustainable growth and improve service quality [1][2][3]. Group 1: Meituan's Initiatives - Meituan has launched a support plan for small and medium-sized merchants, aiming to distribute financial aid to over 100,000 restaurants by the end of the year, with individual support reaching up to 50,000 yuan [1][2]. - The company has previously initiated a 1 billion yuan support fund, which has already benefited over 300,000 restaurants, with nearly half reporting significant increases in order volume [2]. - Future initiatives will include infrastructure upgrades for 200,000 small shops, expanded self-pickup discounts, and free access to AI tools to enhance operational efficiency [2]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The collective commitment from major platforms like Meituan, Ele.me, and JD to resist harmful subsidies indicates a shift towards quality and service-based competition [1][3]. - The recent data from Taobao Shanguo shows a doubling of restaurant orders in 623 counties, highlighting the growth of small merchants on the platform [4]. - JD has also announced a 1 billion yuan investment to recruit partners for signature dishes, emphasizing the importance of food quality over low-cost marketing strategies [5].