JD.com and Spier Unveil ‘Creative Block Up,’ a Wine Experience Crafted for Chinese Wine  Enthusiasts

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

On September 8th, JD.com, in collaboration with Spier, one of South Africa’s oldest and most esteemed wine farms, unveiled their exclusive wine series—Creative Block Up—to the Chinese market.

“Spier’s Creative Block series has earned international acclaim for its artful blending and exceptional quality. Now, JD.com proudly presents the newest addition to this lauded collection: the Creative Block Up. This exclusive offering features a melodic blend of 3, 5, or 8 varietals, each sourced from unique, carefully selected vineyard blocks. The result is a wine of intricate flavors and depth, further elevated by Spier’s commitment to sustainable farming—all expertly curated to delight the Chinese palate.

The official launch ceremony took place at JD.com’s headquarters and was attended by valued guests including H.E. Ambassador Dr. Cwele, the South African Ambassador to China; Economic Counselor Gary James Smith; Allyson Hu, Spier China Market Manager; and key executives from JD Retail’s global sourcing team.

“JD.com is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the absolute authenticity and excellence of imported goods,” said Da Lu, General Manager of JD Global Sourcing. “Our direct overseas procurement model benefits not only our consumers but also allows global brands like Spier to establish a meaningful connection with the expansive Chinese marketplace.”

The partnership comes as China and South Africa celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Cwele, in his address, remarked, “This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. The deep-seated camaraderie and regular interactions between our nations stand testament to our bond. Our collaboration with JD.com will expose a larger Chinese audience to South African wines. I am confident that this initiative will make South African wines a favorite among many in China.”

In a video message, Marcus Ford, Asia Market Manager for the Wine of South Africa Association (WOSA), said, “JD.com has emerged as the preferred destination for fine wines among Chinese consumers. We commend the cooperation between JD.com and Spier in launching this captivating wine series.”

Established in 1692, Spier stands as one of South Africa’s time-honored wine farms, boasting a plethora of national and international accolades. As per a 2023 report by the globally recognized wine critic and Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, Spier has five wines that have achieved scores above 90 points.

JD Retail’s global sourcing team includes wine experts certified at the highest levels, ensuring an unparalleled selection of world-class wines. This includes professionals certified with the British WSET Level 4, spirits experts who have toured numerous Scottish and Welsh distilleries, and specialists accredited in Chilean and New Zealand wines. With their combined expertise and global perspective, they endeavor to bridge world-class wine brands with the burgeoning Chinese market.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

 

Four Ways JD.com is Bringing Supply Chain Excellence to Europe

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

As JD.com continues to broaden its global footprint, we understand that a robust, well-integrated supply chain is instrumental for success. Guided by this understanding, we have zeroed in on forging robust partnerships in European markets. By leveraging our deep expertise in e-commerce, logistics, and technology, we aim to set new benchmarks for supply chain excellence in the region. This article explores four strategies we’re employing to achieve this goal.

  1. Expanding Our Warehouse Network Across Europe

Located in Milton Keynes, just outside London, our JD Property division operates a pivotal logistics distribution center. This facility serves as a linchpin in the supply chain for John Lewis, the UK’s largest department store. Strategically located near major transit routes, the center offers rapid connectivity to major cities including London, Birmingham, Northampton, Cambridge, and Oxford — putting us within a 4.5-hour drive of 85% of the UK population.

Beyond the UK, JD Property has successfully rolled out 11 similar warehousing projects across Europe. Globally, we operate nearly 90 bonded warehouses, overseas warehouses, and direct mail warehouses, with comprehensive transportation options spanning sea, air, and land routes. Within Europe, our logistics division, JD Logistics, is currently operating overseas warehouses in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, the UK, and Spain, building a warehouse network that effectively covers a majority of the continent.

  1. Empowering Brands with Next-Gen Automated Warehouse Solutions

JD Logistics empowers local retailers in Europe by equipping them with cutting-edge logistics technology. Our state-of-the-art solutions have drastically improved operational efficiency for renowned European brands, including lingerie retailer Hunkemöller and Poland’s largest retail chain Biedronka.

For example, our Venlo distribution center in the Netherlands is a testament to logistics ingenuity, featuring advanced automation technologies like AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), robotic arms, and sophisticated logistics management systems. By implementing these technologies, our partners have seen operational costs decrease and efficiency improve by more than 300% compared to traditional warehouses.

  1. Elevating Delivery Services Through Strategic Partnerships

JD Logistics recently partnered with Geopost, Europe’s largest international parcel delivery network based in France. This collaboration enables prompt local delivery from our overseas warehouses, with one-day delivery now possible in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Spain, and Poland.

Our end-to-end delivery solutions feature door-to-door service, attentive customer support, real-time digital tracking, and convenient global returns. These services not only minimize overhead for European businesses but also deliver packages one to two days faster on average than major international express companies.

  1. A Trusted and Reliable Gateway to the Chinese Market

JD Retail is committed to serving as the most reliable channel for European brands entering China. Hundreds of European brands have chosen JD.com as their first partner when entering the Chinese market.

Our pioneering “National Pavilion” , active since 2014, has garnered strong support from embassies and authoritative institutions from numerous countries, serving as an effective channel to introduce their countries’ products and cultures to Chinese consumers. To date, JD.com features over 100 national and regional pavilions, offering more than 5,100 unique products and attracting over 1.5 billion annual views from more than 10 million active users.

Over 20 European countries spanning key economic regions across the continent have established and leveraged this platform. They include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Serbia, Romania, and Georgia, among others.

A Glimpse into the Future: JD.com’s ‘35711’ Vision

As we celebrated our 20th anniversary this past June, JD.com CEO Sandy Xu officially announced our “35711” Vision. In line with this ambitious roadmap, JD.com is gearing up to extend our supply chain services globally, aiming to create infrastructure in economies contributing to 80% of the world’s economic output.

As we strive to achieve this vision, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled value to our European partners and customers through cutting-edge solutions and robust collaborations.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

JD.com Launches Second Annual Agricultural Specialty Shopping Festival to Promote High-Quality Agricultural Products

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

JD.com announced the launch of its second annual Harvest Carnival and Shopping Festival of Agricultural Specialties, kicking off on September 1st. Backed by a robust investment of one billion yuan, JD.com is committed to connecting consumers with exceptional farm-fresh goods from over 2,000 industrial belt zones across China, all while ensuring rapid delivery and optimal freshness.

Leveraging its digitally intelligent supply chain, JD.com directly sources premium agricultural specialties from their source regions. By eliminating middlemen, the company is able to guarantee delivery to consumers’ homes within 72 hours. JD.com also provides a money-back guarantee for any damaged produce, ensuring a hassle-free and superior shopping experience for all.

During the festival, JD.com employs a multi-faceted approach that includes direct subsidies and targeted traffic promotions to feature local specialties to nationwide consumers, such as Sunite mutton from Inner Mongolia, hairy crabs from Suqian, corn from Northeast China, pears from Laiyang, wine from Ningxia, sea cucumbers from Weihai, and Wuyi Mountain black tea. These efforts serve not only to enrich the customer experience but also to increase revenue for local farmers significantly.

To further promote agricultural specialties, the festival will feature 2,000 live streaming events where influencers will guide viewers through the cultivation and harvesting processes, offering a farm-to-table experience that informs and delights.

Last year’s inaugural Harvest Carnival and Shopping Festival witnessed immense participation from millions of Chinese consumers. The transaction volume and traffic for high-quality agricultural products from various regions saw remarkable double-digit growth compared to the same period last year with increases of nearly 50% and 1.2 times, respectively. Noteworthy sales included 160,000 hairy crabs from Suqian, Jiangsu, over 500,000 kiwis from Xiuwen, Guizhou, and 5.3 million pomegranates from Hui Li, Sichuan.

Through its focus on elevating the quality of agricultural products and supporting farmers, JD.com has successfully increased the value of agricultural output and fostered a virtuous cycle that results in higher-quality products for consumers, improved revenues for farmers, and a strengthened agricultural value chain.

Since the launch of its “March to Rich” rural revitalization initiative in October 2020, JD.com has successfully collaborated with over 2,000 industrial belts nationwide. The company surpassed its target of generating a rural output value of over one trillion yuan — achieving this milestone three years ahead of schedule in June.

As JD.com launches this year’s  Shopping Festival of Agricultural Specialties, the company reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the quality of China’s agricultural sector, supporting farmers, and bolstering the growth of the rural economy.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Pioneering Digital Transformation: JD.com’s Robust Presence at CIFTIS 2023

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

For the fourth consecutive year, JD.com proudly served as the global partner of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), showcasing expansive exhibitions across both physical and digital platforms. This year’s participation included several of JD’s business segments—ranging from retail and logistics to technology, healthcare, industrial operations, property development, insurance, and private label. Through its uniquely designed booths, the company focused on spotlighting digitally intelligent technologies engineered to enhance service trade efficiency and improve quality of life.

JD Cloud, leveraging its digital capabilities, played a crucial role in enhancing the virtual components of the fair. For instance, its Customer Relations Management system facilitated a 10 percent increase in marketing effects for both the event organizers and participating vendors. JD’s technology was also pivotal in streamlining various operational facets, such as guest reception, enterprise services, and ticket management, which amplified user engagement and satisfaction.

Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com, delivered a speech on the opening day, articulating the significant role that digital transformation plays in driving sustainable and high-quality economic growth. In her remarks, Xu emphasized how JD’s supply chain bridges the gap between consumers on one end, with nearly 600 million users across China connected to the internet, and the industrial internet on the other end, with a vast number of products from manufacturers and brands. JD’s digitally intelligent technologies pave the way for seamless flow between both ends.

Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com delivered a speech at China E-Commerce Convention during CIFTIS

To illustrate the effectiveness of the company’s supply chain, JD.com boasts an industry-leading inventory turnover rate of just 31.7 days as of June 2023, managing an unmatched number of over 10 million SKUs. Furthermore, JD successfully reduced its fulfillment expense rate to 5.8% YOY, setting a new benchmark in integrating the digital and physical worlds.

Positioned as “a technology and service enterprise with the supply chain at its core,” JD.com has continuously applied digitally intelligent technologies across the supply chain continuum. This includes aspects like production, distribution, consumption, and after-sales services. As of June 2023, JD.com’s supply chain infrastructure assets were valued at RMB 140.8 billion. This robust infrastructure does more than just fortify the stability and reliability of JD’s own supply chain operations; it also serves as a catalyst for the digital transformation of the company’s partners and associated enterprises across the entire supply chain ecosystem. In doing so, JD is making a tangible contribution to the high-quality, sustainable development of the real economy.

JD.com is committed to broadening the accessibility of its supply chain infrastructure and digital prowess to all industries. Concurrently, the company gathers industry-specific insights to curate bespoke technologies and services tailored to various sectors, such as retail, energy, manufacturing, automotive, and transportation. In doing so, JD is not just advancing its own digital infrastructure but also equipping various industries with the tools needed to expedite their digital transformation journeys, thereby unlocking their value across the industrial landscape.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

JD Industrials Introduces the “Full Chain” Solution: Driving Digitally Intelligent Transformation Across Industries

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

JD Industrials, a subsidiary of JD.com and a leading provider of industrial supply chain technology and services, unveiled its innovative end-to-end supply chain solution, the “Full Chain,” during the company’s partners summit in Shanghai on August 31st.

The “Full Chain” solution offers an integrated framework that amalgamates various services and capabilities from all participants throughout the industrial chain, including product planning consultancy, procurement, management, operations, and after-sales services. Its primary objective is to facilitate a substantial reduction in operational costs and improve efficiency across various industry sectors.

Chunzheng Song, CEO of JD Industrials and Vice President of JD.com, underscored the company’s strategic vision by stating,  “Our ambition extends beyond creating a mere solution; we aim to establish a comprehensive digital infrastructure. This platform is designed to expedite the transit of production materials and foster a digital transformation for businesses.” By opening access to this sophisticated infrastructure, JD Industrials envisions a surge in data flow while reducing the movement of physical products, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient supply chain.

As a testament to its commitment to collaboration, JD Industrials forged partnerships with representatives from the supply-side, demand-side, and logistics providers within the manufacturing sector. These partnerships will focus on embracing digitally intelligent solutions throughout the supply chain, with the goal of reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.

Specifically, the supply-side will share inventory information and offer products at competitive prices, while the demand side will accelerate their digital transformation and explore more cooperation opportunities. Logistic service providers will expand their delivery networks and improve service quality, while technology and service providers will enhance data connectivity. With the “Full Chain” solution as the foundation, JD Industrials will serve as the connector, facilitating data exchange and optimizing resource allocation.

A noteworthy endorsement of its efficacy, Nippon Paint China, a preeminent paint manufacturer in Asia, has integrated the “Full Chain” solution into its operations. Subsequent reports from their procurement department indicate a marked decrease in inventory expenditures across their 63 national factories, coupled with significant improvements in operational efficiency.

Song concluded the announcement by articulating his aspiration for expanded collaboration: “This initiative marks a seminal moment in our journey. We are earnestly seeking collaborations with industry leaders to formulate best practices in digital supply chain management, thereby fostering the continued advancement of the manufacturing sector.”

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

JD.com Announces Unlimited Free Shipping for JD PLUS Members

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

JD.com announced on August 23 that JD PLUS members will receive unlimited free shipping for self-operated products, and lower non-JD PLUS members’ free shipping minimum order to 59 yuan from 99 yuan. As always, JD.com will continue to uphold its commitment to premium logistics services, ensuring customers receive their products swiftly with same and next-day delivery options.

Before today’s announcement, JD PLUS members received five free shipping coupons monthly for their orders of JD’s self-operated products, which are products JD purchases from brands and then sells directly to customers through the company’s self-operated fulfillment network. The new policy enables members to freely utilize JD’s delivery service without any restrictions or additional costs.

In addition to free shipping benefits, JD PLUS provides members with a wide range of perks, including shopping rebates, dedicated customer service, and a 5% discount on millions of products spanning different categories and brands.

JD’s recent Q2 2023 earnings report highlighted the growing popularity of the JD PLUS program, which now has over 36 million members, marking a 20% increase year-on-year. The success of JD PLUS is further underscored by partnerships with over 1,200 renowned brands, offering a rich variety of online and offline member-exclusive benefits.

“At JD.com, our members are at the heart of everything we do. We’re devoted to harnessing our formidable supply chain strengths to consistently deliver not just products, but value and reliability. This is our promise as we work tirelessly to elevate every aspect of the JD member experience,” remarked the head of the JD PLUS membership program.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

 

 

JD.com Launches “Pavilion of Latin America and Caribbean” Online Store, Celebrated by LAC Ambassadors to China

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

On August 22nd, JD.com officially introduced its “Pavilion of Latin America and Caribbean” (LAC) online store during a grand ceremony at its Beijing headquarters. The event was attended by over 40 ambassadors and diplomats from 20 LAC countries to China, all of whom were highly enthusiastic about showcasing their nation’s unique products to Chinese consumers.

JD’s newly-launched LAC Pavilion features a rich collection of over 150 products. Highlights include premium CASO life coffee beans,; Lok, a renowned Colombian brand offering handcrafted dark chocolate with 85% cocoa; MONTES red wine from one of Chile’s top ten vineyards; Brazilian yerba mate tea in liquid form; famous Argentine steaks;  high-quality Cuban rum and Uruguayan beef ribs.

In response to the growing demand for Latin American coffee among Chinese consumers, the Pavilion introduced a subscription service. This service ensures regular doorstep delivery of fresh and authentic coffee beans, letting consumers savor the distinct flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean from the comfort of their homes.

In addition to physical products, the Pavilion also offers tourism-related products and services, such as travel packages and application assistance for LAC destinations. This joint initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the store operators, Zhong Ke Blue Dove Culture and Tumei International Travel, and the participating embassies in China.

“JD’s national pavilion initiative offers an excellent platform to present made-in-LAC products in the Chinese market, inviting consumers to enjoy the natural, healthy, colorful, and fun offerings from our region. Furthermore, by featuring tourism and various services on this platform, it opens a door for Chinese people to get to know our region’s incredible cultures and creativity,” said H.E. Fernando Lugris, Dean of Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), Ambassador of Uruguay to China.

“We are committed to providing a curated selection of authentic products and serving as a window into the diverse culture of Latin America and Caribbean countries for our nearly 600 million active users on JD.com. Leveraging our outstanding reputation and supply chain expertise, we aim to offer unparalleled shopping experiences marked by variety, prompt delivery, top quality, and exceptional value,” said Wei Ye, Vice President of JD.com.

JD.com has established more than 100 online stores, known as national or regional pavilions, for over 50 countries. Sales data indicates that during this year’s 618 shopping festival, the total transaction value from these national pavilions increased fourfold compared to the previous year.

JD.com launched its first national pavilion in 2014 as part of its efforts to introduce quality products from around the world to the Chinese market. With almost a decade of growth, the program is now offering more than 5,100 unique specialty products from across the globe. These pavilions garner 1.5 billion visits annually, engaging over 10 million active users.

Reaffirming its dedication to delivering international premium products, JD.com has formed one of China’s largest professional procurement teams to curate premium products from around the world, including European wines, Thai durians, Chilean cherries, and New Zealand kiwifruits. These products are offered to millions of Chinese families with fast delivery and affordable prices.

JD.com’s unparalleled edge also lies in its self-developed logistics infrastructure, uniquely positioning it as the only e-commerce company in China with its own internal logistics network. This provides comprehensive coverage across China, reaching nearly the entire population and ensuring same or next-day delivery for orders placed.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

JD.com Partners with Southern Region of Thailand for Joint Durian Harvesting Initiative

Posted on by Vivian Yang

by Vivian Yang

On August 14th, JD.com and Chumphon in southern Thailand announced a new collaboration for centralized durian harvesting, the first of its kind between a Chinese company and the southern durian-producing region of Thailand.

The southern region of Thailand is expected to produce 670,000 tons of durians this year, a 44% increase compared to 2022. JD’s global sourcing team will gradually expand this joint harvesting initiative to include other provinces, such as Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, and Ranong. This collaboration is set to continue until the end of the harvest season in January 2024, and all harvested durians will be transported to China for sale.

To facilitate this collaboration, JD sent a team of 20 experts, including experienced buyers and quality control specialists, to Thailand in April with the support of the Department of Agriculture of Thailand. Over the course of four months, the team visited orchards and conducted comprehensive inspections to hand-pick the finest durians based on parameters such as sugar content, pH levels, and microbial counts.

After processing and packaging, the selected durians will be shipped to China within a week. Once there, JD’s sophisticated nationwide cold-chain logistics will take over, ensuring that the durians reaching the consumers are nothing short of fresh and delectable. The first batch of directly sourced durians, consisting of around 6,000 fruits, is estimated to arrive in China in late August.

By adopting a direct sourcing model and leveraging its supply chain advantages, JD is able to offer durians in the Chinese market at the incredibly affordable price of just 29.9 yuan per kilogram. This makes JD the most cost-effective option for the high-quality durians currently available.

China holds a significant role in the durian trade with Thailand. Data from 2022 reveals that China imported a total of 825,000 tons of durians, with 780,000 tons originating from Thailand alone, accounting for over 90% of the total imports. Similarly, China serves as the largest export market for Thai durians, with over 80% of Thai durians being sold to China.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)