Nov 19, 2020|
Five New Post-COVID-19 Necessities
by Hui Zhang
Masks, thermometers, vaccines, nucleic acid tests and internet hospitals have become the five new necessities for Chinese consumers since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020.
Mrs. Li, a resident of Beijing, said that she has already bought 1,500 masks this year. “I buy masks for my child and other adult family members. As a family of five, our family used five mask per day on average.”
JD’s data shows that sales of masks on JD Health skyrocketed from January to September 2020, increasing by nearly 19 times year-on-year, and the repurchase rate exceeds 50%. The average monthly sales of masks from January to October this year increased by 3,862% year-on-year.
Thermometers have become another necessity for consumers to monitor their health status. Sales of the thermometer category on JD Health from January to October have increased by more than six times year-on-year, with mercury thermometers, infrared thermometers, electronic thermometers and ear thermometer guns increasing by 1,296%, 388%, 363% and 298% respectively, year-on-year.
During the pandemic, Chinese consumers have attached increasing importance to vaccination, making this another major necessity for people’s daily lives. According to JD’s big data, vaccine sales on JD Health from January to September increased 226% year-on-year. In August, the number of searches for “flu vaccine” increased by 20 times and the number of orders increased by seven times compared to the same period last year.
Even as most areas in China have been designated as “low risk”, nucleic acid testing is still essential for high-risk workers, such as doctors and cold-chain logistics workers, and for areas with quarantine requirements. JD’s data shows that the daily number of nucleic acid tests booking services reached a peak increase of 460% during JD’s 618 Grand Promotion in June. JD Health can provide online booking of nucleic acid testing services covering a total of 110 stations across 37 cities in China. JD Health is also the first platform in China to provide online booking services for COVID-19 testing.
Online consultation makes it possible for consumers to see a professional doctor without leaving their homes, making this a new daily necessity for Chinese consumers. As of September 2020, the average daily online consultation of JD’s internet hospital is 90,000 times, which is nearly six times that of the same period in 2019.
Dec 12, 2024|
JD Health Debuts Merck’s New Diabetes Medication GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass) Online in China
On December 10, JD Health, in collaboration with Merck, a globally renowned biopharmaceutical leader, began offering GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass), the metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and became the first online pharmacy in China to provide the new antidiabetic medication developed by Merck. This launch signifies a major milestone in the partnership between JD Health and Merck, which is dedicated to enhancing the online availability and accessibility of innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes patients in China, thereby offering them a more convenient and effective medication experience.
GLUCOPHAGE® has been a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for over 60 years worldwide. The latest version of this medication is designed to enhance patient adherence by reducing the long-term burden of medication administration while maintaining its therapeutic benefits. The use of GSD sustained-release technology extends the time the medication remains in the stomach, reduces gastrointestinal irritation, and improves drug absorption. Additionally, the tablet is now smaller, has reduced volume by 30%, and has been transitioned from a capsule to a round shape, making it easier to swallow. It requires only once-daily administration, significantly enhancing patient convenience and safety.
To celebrate the online launch collaboration, JD Health and Merck hosted a special release event for the new medication at the 7th China International Import Expo in November. This event followed their partnership agreement in September, which also marked the opening of Merck China’s self-operated flagship store on JD.com.
With a large user base, robust supply chain, and rich medical service resources, JD Health has become a preferred partner to launch many chronic disease medications online. By seamlessly integrating online and offline resources, JD Health ensures that new drug information reaches the right users swiftly, offering convenient purchasing options and improving drug accessibility and usage efficiency. Additionally, JD Health’s extensive logistics network ensures timely and secure delivery of medications, enhancing user experience and building trust.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Industry Data: JD’s Active Users Increased amid Singles Day Grand Promotion
