新华每日电讯整版聚焦“外卖大战”

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "subsidy war" among food delivery platforms has created a vicious cycle for many restaurants, leading to a situation where not participating results in a loss of traffic, while participation leads to price cuts and losses [1][2][3] Group 1: Impact on Restaurants - Many small and medium-sized restaurants are caught in a dilemma of whether to engage in the delivery business and how to handle the aggressive subsidies [2][3] - A restaurant owner reported that a dish priced at 21.8 yuan only yields 11.33 yuan after subsidies, with the majority of the subsidy burden falling on the restaurant rather than the platform [2][3] - The increase in order volume does not translate to increased revenue, as many restaurants experience a rise in orders but stagnant income [6][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The "subsidy war" has led to a phenomenon where order volumes increase while revenue remains stagnant, indicating a misalignment in the market [11][12] - The competition has intensified, with platforms focusing on large chain brands, leading to a situation where small businesses struggle to survive [12][23] - The market is witnessing a shift where platforms prioritize their own efficiency and profits, often at the expense of smaller merchants [12][22] Group 3: Regulatory Response - The National Development and Reform Commission has proposed rules to curb irrational competition and protect the pricing rights of operators [13][14] - Recommendations include improving platform algorithm governance, reducing the burden on businesses, and fostering a more balanced market environment [14][15] Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts suggest that the competition may eventually lead to a focus on quality rather than price, which could benefit the industry in the long run [5][14] - Platforms like Meituan and JD are taking steps to support small merchants and improve their operational conditions amidst the ongoing competition [18][23]