Nov 13, 2020|
JD Singles Day Wrap-up #5: Three Trends for the Upgrade of Healthcare Consumption in China
by Vivian Yang
Healthcare products and services continue to grow in the Chinese market as JD’s Singles Day consumption data demonstrated on November 11th when the shopping festival reached an all-time peak.
According to JD Health’s sales data from November 1st to 11th, online medical consultations increased by 6 times YoY, orders of healthcare-related services grew more than 3 times, sales of cross-border pharmaceutical products increased by 15 times, mask sales increased by 17 times, and imported healthcare products increased by 270% YoY.
The staggering growth revealed three main trends of healthcare-related consumption in China：
Buying medicine services via omnichannel
COVID-19 has accelerated Chinese consumers’ acceptance of the role that the internet can play in improving healthcare services. This not only involves online medicine sales and medical consultation growth but also provides new opportunities for offline pharmacies and drug delivery services.
Transactions from JD Health’s O2O drug delivery services increased 21 times during the Singles Day Grand Promotion period, with the first order delivered to the customer’s doorstep within 9 minutes and 21 seconds. So far JD’s fast medication delivery service is offered in more than 200 cities across China. Meanwhile, over 40 JD Pharmacy chain stores have opened offline with many in lower-tiered cities, providing more and better medicine products and services to a wider range of patients in China.
JD Pharmacy offline chain store
Spending more on disease prevention
In the post-COVID era, keeping healthy is a top priority and more people are willing to spend money to do so. Products that help ensure a robust immune system were must-buys for many during the shopping festival: sales of vitamin/mineral products increased by 6 times YoY, probiotics products increased by 200% and enzyme products increased by 180%. Nourishment products for wintertime were also popular items in the shopping cart, with sales of tonic products’ sales increasing by 5 times, black sesame pills’ sales increasing by 3 times, and bird’s nests growth via overseas direct purchases doubling YoY.
Bookings of full-body checkups and vaccination services on JD.com surged at the same time. Orders for body checkup services increased by 160% YoY; HPV and flu vaccination orders both increased by 32 times YoY; and vaccine reservation orders for shingles, which most frequently occurs in winter, increased by 28 times compared with the same period last month.
Paying for the whole family’s health protection
Paying for higher quality healthcare services for vulnerable family members such as elderly parents, young children, and expectant mothers is a rising demand for many middle-aged Chinese people. JD Health presented diversified choices to answer these needs.
For example, products for osteoporosis prevention for the elderly increased by 7 times YoY, Calcium supplements for kids increased by 220 times YoY, and folic acid products for pregnant women increased by 130% YoY during the shopping festival.
Also worth mentioning is the family medicine kit introduced by JD Health, which has been well received by customers. In addition to the commonly used medicines for cold, fever, skin problems and more, the purchase of the kit also includes a free consultation service from professional pharmacists and offers replacements for expired medicines.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China’s telemedicine industry has exploded. JD Health is at the forefront of that charge, with monthly consultations for JD’s Internet Hospital platform growing tenfold since the beginning of 2020, now totaling two million each month. Additionally, JD Pharmacy is growing rapidly, and recent cooperation agreements have been signed with major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and GlaxoSmith Kline. With the influence of COVID-19, the top 5 products in terms of sales were nucleic acid testing (no comparison for last year as this is new this year), masks (up 17 times YOY), thermometers (up three times YOY), flu vaccinations (up 32 times YOY) and online medical consultations (up six times YOY). JD’s online consultations have become increasingly popular, especially for chronic disease management. The top three chronic disease-related consultations covered cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases.
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 Singles Day Wrap-up #4 – Omnichannel Models Showcase JD Supply Chain Prowess
