Core Insights - The Chinese food delivery market is experiencing a slowdown, prompting platforms like Meituan and Didi to explore international markets for growth opportunities [1][2] - The expansion into overseas markets is not a simple replication of domestic models, as it involves navigating regional consumption differences, cultural adaptations, regulatory compliance risks, and restructuring profit models [1][2] Overseas Expansion - Major players in the food delivery sector, including Meituan, JD, and Alibaba, are increasingly focusing on international markets due to saturation in the domestic market [2][3] - Meituan has signed an investment agreement to introduce its delivery service Keeta to Brazil, planning to invest $1 billion over five years [2][6] - Didi's 99Food has announced a 2 billion Brazilian real (approximately 2.6 billion yuan) investment to enhance its delivery services in Brazil [3][6] Market Potential - The Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are identified as key regions for expansion due to their growing consumer demand and favorable economic conditions [4][5] - The Middle East shows potential due to rising income levels and a young population, while Southeast Asia benefits from high internet penetration and mobile payment adoption [4][5] - Latin America is experiencing rapid urbanization, increasing the acceptance and reliance on food delivery services [4][5] Regional Demand Differences - Different regions exhibit distinct consumer preferences: Middle Eastern consumers prioritize service quality and privacy, Southeast Asian consumers focus on affordability and delivery speed, while Latin American consumers seek diverse food options [4][5] - Platforms must tailor their strategies accordingly, such as introducing high-quality restaurants in the Middle East and offering competitive pricing in Southeast Asia [4][5] Development Strategies - Successful overseas expansion requires a comprehensive understanding of local market dynamics, including regulatory environments and cultural nuances [6][7] - Companies are advised to establish local compliance systems and engage with government entities to navigate regulatory challenges effectively [7][11] - The application of technology, such as AI and data analytics, is crucial for optimizing operations and enhancing user experience in international markets [8][9] Future Trends - The next few years are expected to see a "multi-model parallel" development approach, with larger companies rapidly expanding across multiple regions while smaller platforms focus on deep localization in specific areas [8][11] - The speed of technological implementation may outpace domestic markets, particularly in areas like drone delivery and AI algorithms, due to fewer regulatory restrictions in some regions [9][11] - Companies that successfully adapt to local markets and innovate their operational models will emerge as global players rather than mere replicators of the Chinese model [11]
从“内卷”到“外卷”:外卖平台出海谋增长
Cai Jing Wang·2025-09-24 09:33