Core Viewpoint - JD.com has launched a "Dish Partner" recruitment program, investing 1 billion yuan to recruit partners for 1,000 signature dishes, aiming to enhance food quality and combat "ghost takeout" issues in the food delivery industry [1][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Context - The Chinese food delivery market is projected to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan in 2024, with a user base reaching 690 million, indicating significant growth in consumer habits towards mobile food ordering [1]. - The prevalence of "ghost takeout" businesses, which operate without proper licenses and often share addresses, poses a challenge to the industry, as highlighted by past reports and ongoing issues [3][4]. Group 2: JD.com's Strategy - JD.com aims to shift from a mere intermediary role to a "central kitchen" model, where chefs will participate in recipe development, and the platform will oversee cooking and quality control, thereby addressing the "ghost takeout" problem [4][6]. - The initiative is expected to enhance transparency regarding food preparation and sourcing, which has been a long-standing concern among consumers [6]. Group 3: Future Implications - The success of JD.com's 1 billion yuan investment and the recruitment of chefs to provide recipes will be critical in determining the effectiveness of this new model [6]. - The move is seen as a potential disruptor in the established food delivery market, encouraging service upgrades and product innovation [6].