“史上最贵”外卖大战，会以“多输”收场吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing "takeout war" in China's food delivery industry, highlighting the intense competition among major players like Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com, and the impact on consumers and small businesses [5][7][11]. Industry Overview - The food delivery market has seen a significant influx of investment, with companies burning hundreds of billions in a saturated market to capture high-frequency consumer demand [5][7]. - JD.com has entered the market with a strategy focused on quality takeout, targeting chain restaurants to quickly scale operations [7][9]. Market Dynamics - The daily order volume in the food delivery sector has surged, with peak orders reaching 2.5 billion, indicating a rapid expansion of the market [7][8]. - The competition has led to a "zero-sum game," where the gains of one player often come at the expense of another, affecting the sustainability of consumer habits [11][12]. Consumer Behavior - The article notes a shift in consumer habits, with increased frequency of orders for low-cost items like coffee and milk tea, driven by promotional campaigns [8][9]. - However, the sustainability of these habits is questioned, as the initial surge in orders may not be maintained once subsidies decrease [7][11]. Business Challenges - Small business owners are struggling to maintain profitability amid rising order volumes, leading some to withdraw from delivery platforms altogether [12]. - The intense competition has resulted in operational challenges, with delivery personnel and restaurant staff facing increased pressure to meet demand [11][12].