Apr 15, 2021|
JD Data: Health and Wellness in the Spotlight
by Ella Kidron
With spring in full bloom, so are Chinese consumers’ health and wellness goals, according to a report by the JD Big Data Research Institute released on Apr. 14.
In the month of March, the keyword “low sugar” was searched over 10 times more than the same period last year. “Weight loss and fat reduction” was searched over 10 million times. Searches for cordless jump ropes, which have become highly popular as an at home workout option, increased more than 640%. Looking at purchasing habits, affordability of healthy habits is a commonality across food, exercise and supplement choices.
Low calorie beverages, dark chocolate, low sugar cake, low calorie cereal and low sugar coffee have become popular food choices for consumers looking to make healthier choices. This makes items like soda water, black sesame powder, barley and oat cookies, black wheat whole wheat meal replacement toast, Oolong tea hot commodities in the Chinese market.
Consumers aren’t only looking for options to be healthy but also for them to be convenient. Sales of low calorie convenience foods have increased 432% since the previous period, while low sugar grains and low sugar coffee and milk tea have increased 222% and 100% respectively. From an age group perspective, Post ‘95s consumers are the heavyweights for the low sugar coffee and milk tea market, while post ‘85s eye fat-free and low fat milk as well as Oolong tea, and post ‘75s want dark chocolate.
Nutritional supplements are also sizzling. In March, the sales volume of probiotics, protein supplements, fitness powders, enzymes and bone health related products increased 768%, 766%, 684%, 466%, and 357% respectively.
Ye Yang, head of the health supplements division at JD Health, explained: We hope to use the JD Health platform to provide Chinese consumers with abundant, high quality health products that meet the physical needs and habits of Chinese consumers.” She added that supplementing a weight and fat loss reduction plan with the JD Health platform’s nutrition and medical consulting services will make the process more scientific and effective.
Consumers are also vying to exercise more outdoors. In March, sales volume of exercise-related items from ice sports gear to swimwear increased 461% and 349% respectively. Broken down by age group, consumers born after 1995 are mainly buying exercise apparel, consumers born after 1985 are looking to go for a dip in the pool, and those born after 1975 are hitting the slopes.
It is said that most things come in 3s. In this case, healthy food and nutrition supplements, activity and smart equipment are a triple threat. According to the data report, in the smart health equipment realm, the proportion of electronic scales with health monitoring capabilities sold reached over 90% while sales of heartrate monitors and watches with blood oxygen meters are up 170% YOY. Consumer attention to watches with electrocardiogram (ECG) functions increased over 10 times in the same period.
Many consumers have placed a renewed focus on their health and wellness since COVID-19 broke out. Ms. Wu, a regular JD customer explained, “Before the pandemic, I didn’t really workout or watch what I ate, but now I have been reminded of the fact that we all have just one life to live, and am doing my best to keep up a good nutrition and exercise routine.” She regularly buys supplements such as probiotics on JD, and invested in a smart hula hoop that can count the number of rotations completed and calculate estimated number of calories burned.
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)
JD Worldwide Upgrades National Pavilion Program: Open, Diverse and Customized
