Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the intense competition in the food delivery market, particularly focusing on the impact of this competition on the dairy industry, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional dairy companies due to the rise of ready-to-drink beverages and the ongoing subsidy wars among major platforms [1][4][27]. Group 1: Market Competition - Since February, the competition among major food delivery platforms like Meituan, JD, and Alibaba has intensified, leading to a surge in consumer demand for takeout [1][2]. - On peak subsidy days, Meituan's daily order volume exceeded 150 million, while Taobao's flash sales also broke records, indicating a significant increase in consumer engagement with food delivery services [1][2]. - The current competitive landscape is characterized by a three-way standoff among these platforms, suggesting that the subsidy wars have become a normalized aspect of the market [4]. Group 2: Impact on Dairy Companies - The growth of the food delivery market has negatively impacted traditional dairy companies, with liquid milk revenues showing declines in mid-2025 compared to the previous year [5][6]. - Major dairy companies like Yili and Mengniu reported revenue drops of 2.15% and 11.22%, respectively, indicating the financial strain caused by the competitive environment [6][8]. - The rise of ready-to-drink beverages, particularly tea and coffee, is expected to further erode the market share of packaged liquid milk, with estimates suggesting a potential 10% market share loss to these alternatives [9]. Group 3: Opportunities for Suppliers - The influx of orders in the food delivery sector has led to a significant increase in demand for dairy raw materials, benefiting suppliers in the B2B space [11][12]. - During promotional events, substantial subsidies were allocated to beverages, resulting in a 20% growth in the milk tea industry, which in turn increased the demand for dairy ingredients [11][12]. - Smaller beverage brands have also experienced rapid growth, with order volumes increasing by 70% compared to earlier in the year, allowing them to negotiate better terms with suppliers [12]. Group 4: Trends in Ready-to-Drink Beverages - The ready-to-drink beverage segment is gaining traction, with non-tea dairy products accounting for 15.1% of the market, becoming a significant category among beverage brands [13]. - Companies like Yiming Foods are shifting towards a franchise model, which has led to rapid revenue growth despite the competitive pricing environment [14][17]. - The profitability of companies with a strong supply chain focus, such as Yiming Foods, has remained stable, as they benefit from increased order volumes and economies of scale [17][18]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior Changes - The ongoing competition has shifted consumer preferences towards ready-to-drink beverages, diminishing reliance on packaged drinks [23][24]. - The proliferation of similar products in the market has led to a dilution of brand value, with price becoming a more significant factor in consumer purchasing decisions [24][25]. - Concerns are rising about the sustainability of current pricing strategies, as consumers may resist returning to higher prices once subsidies are reduced [25]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The article suggests that dairy companies need to adapt to the changing landscape by exploring opportunities in the ready-to-drink segment and leveraging the growth of food delivery services [27]. - Engaging in the ready-to-drink beverage market could provide a pathway for dairy companies to navigate the challenges posed by external competition and changing consumer habits [27].