In a bold move that’s causing ripples across China’s e-commerce and food delivery sectors, JD.com has publicly addressed anti-competitive practices allegedly targeting couriers who work with its newly launched JD Takeaway platform. Through a viral Weixin post on Monday, the tech giant claimed that couriers were being pressured—possibly even coerced—into avoiding JD Takeaway, casting a spotlight on the cutthroat dynamics behind your next meal delivery.
What’s the Buzz About?
JD Takeaway entered the food delivery scene in February, promising “zero commissions all year round” to partner restaurants—a game-changing pitch in a market dominated by razor-thin profit margins. This aggressive strategy has put JD.com on a collision course with industry titans Meituan and Ele.me (backed by Alibaba), which together control the lion’s share of China’s food delivery ecosystem.
In its post, JD.com didn’t name names but called out “pressures” on couriers to reject JD Takeaway orders, a move that sparked an immediate reaction online. Fans and consumers flooded social media, praising JD.com for standing by its riders and taking on what many see as unfair monopolistic practices.
Industry Shake-Up in the Making?
While Meituan denied allegations of banning riders for working with competitors—claiming a driver’s viral accusation was “pure fabrication”—JD.com isn’t backing down. The company is taking concrete steps to support affected workers, pledging to:
- Provide adequate orders to couriers facing bans
- Double its full-time rider recruitment goal from 50,000 to 100,000 within three months
- Offer direct labor contracts—making JD the first in the sector to ensure riders receive full insurance benefits
These moves not only challenge competitors’ business models but also raise the bar for labor standards in the gig economy.
The Bigger Picture
JD.com’s entrance into the food delivery market isn’t just about meals—it’s about disrupting a powerful duopoly and redefining courier rights. With its “people-first” strategy, JD Takeaway is quickly becoming more than just another delivery app; it’s becoming a symbol of change.
📅 Launched: February 2025
🍜 Service: JD Takeaway – Zero commission, rider-focused
📱 Where to Watch It Unfold: Follow JD.com and Meituan’s Weixin updates for real-time drama
