Core Viewpoint - The launch of the Lian Cai group purchasing platform in Northeast Tang Street represents a new model for the catering industry, aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency through a transparent supply chain and collaborative ecosystem among suppliers, wholesale markets, and purchasing clients [3][5]. Group 1: Platform Features - The Lian Cai platform integrates three main functions: collective procurement bidding, popular group purchases, and special price clearance, enabling small and medium-sized catering businesses to benefit from direct sourcing advantages [5][14]. - The core feature of collective procurement bidding allows clients to directly report their purchasing quantities, with the system automatically opening bids and ensuring price transparency, which can reduce procurement costs by 8%-10% [7][14]. Group 2: Industry Context - The rapid rise of group meals and takeout services has created a strong demand for diverse, small-batch, and quick-turnaround food supplies, which the Lian Cai platform addresses by providing a "Pinduoduo"-like purchasing engine for small restaurants [14]. - The platform is part of a broader initiative in the Northeast Tang area to optimize the service industry, focusing on high-quality development and the integration of digital technology with the physical economy [8][12]. Group 3: Operational Efficiency - The Lian Cai platform is supported by a digital system developed in collaboration with He Yi Group, featuring real-time data from hundreds of large upstream bases, temperature-controlled logistics with 58 cold chain vehicles, and a user-friendly ordering system for over 20,000 restaurants [10][12]. - The project was executed rapidly, from negotiation to implementation in just 82 days, showcasing the efficiency of the local government and business collaboration, which is referred to as "Xishan speed" [14]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The government plans to continue supporting the platform's development by expanding funding channels, establishing a one-stop approval process, and enhancing cooperation between industry, academia, and research [14].