Apr 29, 2025|
85 Coffees and a Lifetime of Gratitude: A Cross-Border Gesture That Touched JD Employees’ Hearts
On April 25, a special order at JD.com’s omnichannel supermarket 7FRESH Yicheng Jingyuan store in Beijing captured the hearts of employees and leadership alike. An anonymous overseas customer purchased 85 cups of coffee, dedicating them to JD.com’s founder and chairman, Richard Liu, and all JD employees, along with a heartfelt message of appreciation.
An Anonymous Order from the “Coffee Knight”
In the order notes, the customer – a Chinese JD user living abroad, praised Richard Liu’s dedication to advancing China’s e-commerce industry: “With this cup of coffee, I want to salute your years of leadership and commitment to social responsibility.” The note also extended warm wishes for JD’s future success: “May JD reach new heights and shine brightly in the global market.” Thoughtfully, the customer added, “No need to contact me for delivery—and yes, the delivery heroes deserve a coffee too!”
The 7FRESH team acted swiftly on the cross-border gesture, ensuring the coffees reached JD’s frontline heroes—delivery riders, couriers, customer service representatives, and store pickers.
The story quickly spread across the company, with employees affectionately dubbing the sender the “Coffee Knight.” In response, JD officially thanked the sender by gifting them a lifetime JD PLUS membership, paying the kindness forward.
This exchange—85 coffees from a caring stranger and JD’s gratitude in return—epitomizes JD’s core values: putting people first and fostering a culture of mutual respect. It’s a reminder that kindness transcends borders and inspires us all.
JD’s Commitment to People: A Broader Mission
This heartwarming moment aligns with JD’s ongoing efforts to support its workforce and partners. On February 19, JD.com announced that starting on March 1, 2025, it will provide full social insurance for all full-time delivery riders, and accident and medical insurance for part-time riders, making JD.com the first major Chinese delivery platform to offer such comprehensive benefits. Additionally, JD Food Delivery introduced year-round zero-commission policies to attract high-quality restaurants, ensuring better, safer meals for consumers.
The momentum speaks for itself:
- March 24: JD Food Delivery hit 1 million daily orders—just 40 days after launch.
- April 15: Orders surpassed 5 million daily.
- April 21: JD published An Open Letter to All Delivery Riders, pledging to protect riders’ rights to cross-platform flexibility, and planning to expand full-time hires from 50,000 to 100,000 in three months. The same day, Richard Liu took to the streets of Beijing to personally deliver orders, capturing widespread public attention and earning strong support.
- April 22: JD Food Delivery reached 10 million daily orders and is now serving 300,000+ restaurants across 166 Chinese cities.
A Ripple Effect of Goodwill
From the Coffee Knight’s thoughtful gesture to JD’s deep commitment to its workforce, this story shows how small acts of kindness can inspire greater change. At JD.com, we believe every act of goodwill deserves sincerity, and together, we can build a warmer, more connected world.
Apr 28, 2025|
From Premium Care to Smart Tech: Key Takeaways from JD’s 2025 Pet Industry Report
As pet ownership in China continues to evolve, JD.com’s Consumption and Industry Development Research Institute, in collaboration with JD Pet, has released the 2025 Pet Industry Consumption Trends Report. Combining consumer behavior data, a survey of 1,000 pet owners, and expert interviews, the report highlights significant shifts in how pets are integrated into daily life—and how brands can meet the growing demand for premium, personalized pet care.
Pets as Life Partners, Not Just Companions
The report reveals that pets are no longer just animals living alongside their owners—they are now considered family members. Nearly 60% of pet owners include their pets in long-term life planning, while 58.5% create dedicated spaces for them at home. Additionally, 41.1% prioritize “pet-friendly” communities when renting, signaling a shift toward pet-inclusive lifestyles.
Humanization of Pet Care Drives Premiumization
The emotional bond between owners and pets is growing stronger, with 58% of respondents considering their pets as family members and 29% of respondents considering them as intimate friends. This trend fuels demand for human-like care, including pet fashion (25.6% purchase outfits) and professional photography sessions. Notably, 85.5% of owners cite emotional support as a key reason for having pets, and 61.5% are willing to pay for products that enhance their pets’ emotional well-being.
Specialized Nutrition and Smart Pet Tech on the Rise
Pet food preferences are increasingly personalized, with senior dog food sales surging 87% year-over-year. Wet pet food sales are also gaining popularity, up over 260%, while 80% of owners now mix wet and dry food 41% doing so daily. Meanwhile, smart pet tech is booming with searches for pet air purifiers jumping 202%. However, 60% of users express frustration over fragmented smart ecosystems, presenting an opportunity for integrated solutions.
Niche Pets Gain Popularity Among Younger Consumers
The report also notes the rise of exotic pets, particularly among Gen Z owners who see them as an outlet for self-expression and content creation. Supplies for aquatic pets and birds remain top sellers in terms of revenue, while those for reptiles and insects are the fastest-growing category in terms of user growth. This trend reflects broader generational shifts toward individuality and social media-driven pet culture.
As China’s pet market continues its rapid expansion, JD.com’s report underscores a fundamental shift in how pets are perceived—no longer just animals, but cherished members of the family. From humanized care and the adoption of smart tech to the rise in popularity of niche pets among younger generations, these trends reflect deeper societal changes in companionship, lifestyle, and consumption. For brands and industry stakeholders, understanding these evolving priorities will be key to meeting the demands of a market where emotional connection and premium convenience increasingly define pet ownership.
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