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.
Apr 25, 2025|
JD Logistics Launches in South Korea with Self-Operated Warehouses in Icheon and Incheon
On April 24, JD Logistics (also known as JINGDONG Logistics), the logistics arm of China’s largest retailer JD.com, announced expansion into South Korea’s domestic supply chain logistics market. Two self-operated logistics centers are now fully operational in Icheon and Incheon, offering third-party logistics (3PL) and integrated supply chain solutions for businesses, with fulfillment speed as fast as 12 hours in Seoul and parts of the capital region.
The Icheon warehouse currently serves a South Korean e-commerce company, and is equipped with advanced automation technologies, including auto-packing machines and automatic sorting systems. These solutions have significantly enhanced picking and packaging efficiency. Facing fulfillment volatility risks, the client turned to JD Logistics to stabilize their supply chain. Within just one month, JD Logistics deployed a fully functional alternative logistics system complete with rapid resource mobilization and operational switchover to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service.
Additionally, JD Logistics introduced a batch-based inventory system specifically for food items, allowing for tiered storage by packaging unit. This system-led picking process minimizes fulfillment errors and ensures better expiration date management—critical for maintaining food quality and customer trust.
A standout feature of the Icheon facility is JD Logistics’ intelligent warehouse operation system. Leveraging AI-based inventory optimization, popular SKUs are automatically reallocated to high-turnover zones. This dynamic reconfiguration, driven by real-time demand forecasting, enhances operational agility and enables deliveries in as little as 12 hours to Seoul and surrounding areas.
The Incheon logistics center provides end-to-end supply chain services for local beauty brands and a prominent U.S. consumer goods brand operating in South Korea.
“Consumers in South Korea expect fast and precise delivery,” said a JD Logistics representative. “The flexibility and accuracy of logistics operations have become core differentiators. By combining our automation capabilities with global operations expertise, JD Logistics is well-positioned to support local brands and enhance customer satisfaction.”
Beyond its local offerings, JD Logistics connects Korean products directly with Chinese consumers via JD.com’s cross-border e-commerce platform, JINGDONG Worldwide (JD Worldwide).
As JD.com ranks 47th on the Fortune Global 500 and fulfills over 90% of self-operated orders within 24 hours in China, JD Logistics continues to replicate its advanced logistics infrastructure and service expertise to support global brands and merchants. With over 100 bonded, direct mail and overseas warehouses globally, JD Logistics has established 2-3-day delivery services in key markets in Europe, North America, and more. In select regions, same-day delivery is also available.
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