Nov 20, 2020|
JD’s Hu Hao: Supply Chain Infrastructure Essential for Customer-Serving Business
by Ella Kidron
“JD, as a technology and services enterprise with supply chain at its core, used to be based on retail. But retail is constantly changing, and new fields are emerging,” said Hu Hao, head of supply chain innovation at JD.com. He explained that because retail is constantly changing, any scenario meant to serve consumers must consider the notion of supply chain. Hu made the comments at an event held at Tsinghua University on Nov. 18th to release a joint report by the JD Big Data Research Institute and Tsinghua China Data Center on digitalized and intelligent supply chain development trends in China.
JD’s Hu Hao
“Supply chain has become infrastructure,” he said. Warehousing, marketing, trading, distribution and after-sales are needed in any scenario, meaning that supply chain has become infrastructure to service multi-terminal and multi-scenario capabilities. Hu further pointed out that supply chain capabilities will precipitate into new technology capabilities, serving all enterprises within the ecosystem.
According to Hu, the supply chain is demand-driven, and demand comes from consumer behavior, purchases and preferences. The whole supply chain, from design, to raw materials, warehousing, distribution, after-sales and delivery to consumers, will constitute cost for consumers. This is why it is so critical for JD to leverage its supply chain advantages and work with all parties in the supply chain to increase efficiency.
JD’s ability to accumulate data, including consumer insights, as well as its ability to launch products can be fed back to the production end. This means that by shortening the distance between the production and consumption ends, the entire new product market, supply chain efficiency, and the overall end-to-end chain will be enhanced.
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 to Upgrade 100 Delivery Stations to “JD Express”
