China's State Administration for Market Regulation has called on leading food delivery platforms Ele.me, Meituan, and JD.com to prioritize fair practices and sustainable growth in a high-stakes meeting held Friday. The regulator emphasized adherence to e-commerce regulations, anti-unfair competition laws, and food safety standards as the sector experiences rapid expansion across urban centers.
This move comes amid rising concerns about aggressive marketing tactics and price wars in China's $150 billion food delivery industry. Authorities urged companies to balance commercial interests with consumer protection, stating that 'healthy competition fosters innovation while maintaining market stability.'
The discussion aligns with broader efforts to regulate China's digital economy, which has seen increased scrutiny of tech platforms since 2021. Analysts suggest this could lead to standardized commission rates and improved working conditions for delivery personnel, potentially reshaping operational models across Asia's largest food delivery market.
