创业邦·2025-07-23 03:13Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the intense competition in the food delivery market in China, particularly focusing on the aggressive subsidy strategies employed by major players like Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com, and the implications of these strategies on market dynamics and consumer behavior [4][10][12]. Summary by Sections Market Dynamics - The food delivery market in China is experiencing a significant increase in order volume, with a record of 200 million orders on July 5, driven by substantial subsidies from major companies [4][10]. - Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com are collectively burning through approximately 20 billion RMB monthly in subsidies, despite the average daily order volume being less than 100 million [4][10]. Company Strategies - Alibaba's delayed entry into the subsidy war is attributed to internal organizational adjustments and the need to consolidate its resources before launching a competitive response [6][7]. - The timeline of Alibaba's strategic moves includes integrating its food delivery service Ele.me into its e-commerce division and announcing a 50 billion RMB subsidy plan [8][10]. Competitive Landscape - The competition is characterized by a focus on resource allocation and execution rather than ethical considerations, with companies prioritizing market share over profitability [12][20]. - Meituan's strategic response to the competition includes a focus on maintaining high operational efficiency, which is seen as a critical factor in its market leadership [22]. Financial Implications - The intense competition has led to stock price declines for all major players, with JD.com down 20%, Meituan down 10.3%, and Alibaba down 16% since the onset of the subsidy war [16][18]. - The article highlights the fragile profitability model of the food delivery business, which relies heavily on subsidies to attract customers and maintain market share [21][22]. Future Outlook - The article suggests that the food delivery market may face a reckoning as companies struggle to balance aggressive growth strategies with sustainable profitability [19][22]. - The potential for new entrants like Pinduoduo and Douyin to disrupt the market is acknowledged, indicating that the competitive landscape may continue to evolve rapidly [22].