Core Viewpoint - Meituan has launched "Raccoon Canteen," an "external food delivery collection store" that emphasizes food safety, supply chain traceability, and standardized management, transitioning from a "traffic distributor" to an "ecosystem builder" in the food delivery industry [1][8]. Group 1: Raccoon Canteen Overview - Raccoon Canteen features real-time kitchen live streaming, allowing consumers to observe food preparation processes, thus enhancing transparency and safety [5][6]. - The initiative has seen the establishment of 10 locations in Beijing, with over 100 quality restaurant brands participating, including well-known names like Quanjude and Lao Xiang Ji [5][8]. - The centralized kitchen model allows multiple brands to share operational costs, reducing the burden on individual merchants [8]. Group 2: Consumer Experience - Consumers can order from multiple vendors simultaneously, eliminating concerns about minimum order requirements and delivery fees [6][8]. - The live kitchen broadcasts have increased consumer confidence in food safety, as they can see the cleanliness and operations of the kitchens [5][7]. Group 3: Merchant Support and Operations - Raccoon Canteen provides a platform for merchants, offering digital management and operational support, including standardized food safety practices [6][7]. - Merchants benefit from pre-installed kitchen infrastructure and can source ingredients directly from over 200 suppliers, ensuring traceability [6][8]. - Daily operations and compliance with food safety standards are documented through a "Food Safety Diary," enhancing accountability [7][8]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The initiative reflects a shift in the food delivery industry towards higher quality competition, focusing on supply chain quality and stability rather than just price and speed [8]. - Meituan's investment in Raccoon Canteen is seen as a response to the oversupply in the restaurant sector, aiming to create a healthier competitive environment and improve food safety standards across the industry [8]. - The company plans to invest in 1,200 Raccoon Canteens over the next three years, aiming to onboard thousands of restaurant merchants to provide safe food delivery options [8].

Core Insights - Meituan has launched "Raccoon Canteen" in Beijing, focusing on food safety in the takeaway industry, allowing users to experience real-time monitoring and receive food with safety seals [1][2] - The company plans to invest in building 1,200 "Raccoon Canteens" across the country over the next three years, aiming to enhance food safety infrastructure for the takeaway sector [1][2] Group 1: Company Initiatives - "Raccoon Canteen" serves as a centralized kitchen model that emphasizes full visibility and traceability throughout the food supply chain [1] - Starting in 2024, Meituan will open "Raccoon Kitchens" to all types of food businesses, providing comprehensive food safety services and digital operational standards [1][2] - The initiative has already seen the operation of 10 stores in Beijing and over 100 restaurant brands participating, serving hundreds of thousands of consumers [2] Group 2: Future Plans - Meituan aims to help over 10,000 food businesses improve their takeaway quality through the establishment of "Raccoon Canteens" [2] - The company will focus on developing a traceable supply chain and transparent operations, alongside building a "Food Safety Big Data" system [2] - Meituan plans to invest 100 billion yuan in the food service industry over the next three years, including hardware subsidies and support for businesses adopting transparent kitchen practices [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape of instant retail, highlighting Meituan's strategic shift from online to offline operations through the launch of "Raccoon Canteen" and its implications for the supply chain and business models in the food delivery industry [1][5][11]. Group 1: Meituan's Raccoon Canteen - Meituan officially launched "Raccoon Canteen" in July, with plans to open 1,200 locations nationwide over the next three years, following a trial phase that began in December [2]. - The operational model of Raccoon Canteen resembles a food delivery hub, allowing consumers to order from multiple vendors through Meituan's platform without dine-in options [2]. - Meituan emphasizes a non-self-operated model, focusing on providing a platform for various food vendors while ensuring compliance with food safety standards [2][4]. Group 2: Supply Chain Integration - Meituan aims to enhance transparency in food sourcing with features like "Food Safety Diary," allowing consumers to trace the supply chain from source to table [3]. - The company plans to offer comprehensive supply chain services through its platform "Fast Donkey Procurement," connecting vendors with over 200 food suppliers for direct sourcing [6][7]. - This supply chain strategy aligns with industry trends, as competitors like JD.com also focus on supply chain optimization as a core business model [8][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The competition between Meituan and JD.com is intensifying, with JD.com confirming its entry into the hospitality sector and planning to offer supply chain services to optimize costs [9][10]. - JD.com is also launching its own food service infrastructure, indicating a shift towards innovative business models that prioritize food safety and cost efficiency [10]. - The ongoing competition is not merely about pricing but involves innovation in business models and supply chain management [11]. Group 4: Additional Initiatives - Meituan is expanding its offerings with the launch of a discount supermarket project named "Happy Monkey," set to open in August, which will also rely on a robust supply chain [13]. - The company is implementing a pension insurance subsidy plan for delivery riders, aiming to enhance worker welfare and address fatigue issues [13].

Core Viewpoint - Meituan's preferential business has abruptly ceased operations in most regions, indicating a significant shift in strategy and a reevaluation of its community group buying model [2][17][18]. Business Operations - Meituan has closed warehouses nationwide, retaining operations only in a few cities such as Hangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, and Huizhou [2][13]. - Suppliers have been instructed to retrieve their goods within 3 to 5 days, with compensation for transportation and perishable goods losses provided by Meituan [13][15]. Strategic Shift - The closure of Meituan's preferential business marks the end of its nationwide expansion efforts, as the company refocuses on optimizing its supply chain and resources in advantageous areas [17][18]. - Meituan has announced a pivot towards instant retail, aiming to enhance retail quality and efficiency [17][21]. Financial Performance - Meituan's new business segment has incurred substantial losses, with cumulative losses reaching 111.8 billion yuan from 2019 to 2024, with Meituan's preferential business being a major contributor [20]. - The company has shifted its strategic focus from expansion to loss reduction and efficiency improvement, indicating a decrease in subsidies for the preferential business [20]. Competitive Landscape - The community group buying model has faced challenges, including low profitability in fresh produce and competition from platforms like Pinduoduo, which has established a price advantage [19][20]. - Competitors such as Taobao and JD.com are rapidly expanding their instant retail and local services, increasing pressure on Meituan to adapt [21][23].