Round Table China Regulators brake food delivery wars
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Jul 23, 2025 China's food delivery market has been transformed by intense competition and deep discounts, leading to unsustainable practices. Regulators are now stepping in to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Key players, including Alibaba and Meituan, are navigating this shifting landscape while facing challenges from new entrants. The discussion highlights the effects of promotional tactics on consumer behavior and the sustainability of local businesses amidst the subsidy wars. The future lies in balancing affordable prices with ethical practices.
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China's Huge Food Delivery Market
- China's food delivery market is massive, with over 590 million users and 1.5 trillion yuan in revenue.
- Major players like Meituan and Alibaba control most of the market, with fierce competition among them.
Crazy Saturdays Discount Anecdote
- People called promotional weekends "Crazy Saturdays" due to extreme discounts like 90% or free items.
- Customers stocked up on items like milk tea because the deals were almost too good to resist.
Regulatory Intervention in Delivery Wars
- Regulators intervened to warn platforms against unfair competition and food safety risks.
- Platforms had to scale back subsidies and focus on safer, more sustainable practices.