Apr 13, 2023|
JD.com Bolsters Zespri Kiwifruit Imports, Aims to Sell Over 2 Million Trays in 2023
by Vivian Yang
JD Fresh, the fresh food division of JD.com, recently welcomed the season’s first sea shipment of Zespri kiwifruits from New Zealand to China, commencing JD’s kiwi promotional season on April 7. Through a direct procurement e-commerce model, JD Fresh has become Zespri’s largest online retailer in China. For the 2023 season, JD is aiming to sell over two million standard trays (3.3 kg/tray) of the succulent fruits exported to China.
The first charter vessel’s arrival in Shanghai from Port of Tauranga marks the start of JD Fresh’s highly anticipated kiwi sales season, and with more shipments to come, JD Fresh will bring an extensive selection of fresh and healthy produce options to Chinese consumers, including Zespri’s yellow, green, and red varieties.
JD.com’s sales of the newly arrived fruit since April 8 have increased by 55% compared to the same period last year. Quick customs clearance in China following the lifting of COVID restrictions has contributed to the strong start to this year’s fruit season.
“China’s fruit market is experiencing significant growth recovery this year, driven by increasing demand for high-end and imported fruits,” said Nuo Xiao, General Manager of JD Fresh’s procurement and sales department. “Our collaboration with Zespri underscores our commitment to providing Chinese consumers with the freshest, authentic and high quality produce from around the world.”
“We are delighted to partner with JD.com to bring Zespri kiwifruit to more Chinese consumers,” said Carol Ward，Chief Grower, Industry & Sustainability Officer. “JD.com is a leader in the e-commerce and supply chain industry in China, and we are confident that this partnership will help us to further expand our presence in the Chinese market.”
After China reopened its borders for international travel, New Zealand was the first destination for JD Fresh buyers to visit in early March. JD’s team visited Zespri’s headquarters in New Zealand, and had the opportunity to explore Zespri’s orchards, nursery, laboratory, and packaging plant to better understand the kiwi growing journey from its roots.
JD.com and Zespri forged a strategic partnership in 2016, and four years later, JD.com became Zespri’s first direct e-commerce retailer worldwide. In 2022, despite external headwinds, Zespri’s kiwifruit sales on JD.com reached an all-time high in China in 2022, a testament to JD.com’s effective distribution, marketing, omnichannel sales, and after-sale guarantee service.
The ongoing partnership between JD.com and Zespri is set to continue bolstering kiwifruit sales in China in 2023. Recent data from JD Fresh reveals that Zespri’s SunGold product in the extra-large size, with 25 to 27 fruits per tray, took the top position on the platform’s best-selling kiwifruit list during this month’s pre-sales period.
JD’s robust nationwide cold-chain delivery system ensures fresh and quality produce. This system comprises an extensive network of cold-chain warehouses and delivery vehicles, as well as cutting-edge temperature and humidity monitoring technology, ensuring optimal conditions throughout the entire delivery process.
In addition to JD Logistics’ standard same or next-day delivery service across China, JD’s on-demand retail business connects over 200,000 offline stores in more than 1,800 counties, which facilitates one-hour delivery to an ever greater range of consumers, providing a fresher shopping experience and allowing them to enjoy the best tastes from around the globe.
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)
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