Latest news with #Keeta
HKFP
3 days ago
- Business
- HKFP
HK gov't to introduce proposal to boost rights of delivery couriers this year, labour minister says
The Hong Kong government will introduce a proposal this year to enhance the rights and benefits of digital platform workers, labour and welfare chief Chris Sun has said, following recent strikes by delivery workers. The government 'will introduce a proposal for further enhancing the rights and benefits of platform workers within this year, and will consider reinforcing the protection for platform workers through legislative means,' Sun told the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday. He also said the government had established a liaison group consisting of representatives from the government, platform companies, and labour organisations 'to explore suitable proposals.' Sun's remarks were in response to pro-establishment lawmaker Kingsley Wong's question about whether the government would introduce a legislative proposal to protect the labour rights of delivery couriers, as promised last year. The government said in November that it would propose ways to enhance the protection of platform workers, which 'may include proposals that can only be implemented by legislation.' Sun said on Wednesday that the government's proposal would be based on the results of surveys and consultations conducted by the Labour Department last year, including the Thematic Household Survey, an opinion survey of platform workers, and focus groups on their working conditions. He also told LegCo that the survey results showed that 'platform workers were most concerned about work injury compensation.' Delivery workers do not enjoy the same labour protections as full-time employees, as Hong Kong law stipulates that delivery workers are considered self-employed contractors. If a worker has an accident while delivering food, they can only claim accident insurance provided by the delivery platform – if any. They are not entitled to workers' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance. However, the government is unlikely to drastically change the status of delivery workers, the labour minister told lawmakers at Wednesday's meeting. 'I think it's not suitable to give a blanket definition for platform workers as full-time employees,' Sun said, adding that a delivery courier's status as a full-time employee or self-employed contractor would depend on their working conditions. Keeta workers' strikes Since late April, couriers working for Keeta have been staging a series of protests across Hong Kong demanding better treatment from the delivery platform. On May 22, around 270 Keeta riders went on strike in Central, Hung Hom, and To Kwa Wan to protest what they called an 'unfair' system that is slashing their earnings. Owned by Chinese tech giant Meituan, Keeta launched in Hong Kong in May 2023 and has grown steadily in market share. It is one of two delivery apps in the city, after British company Deliveroo exited Hong Kong in early April.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chinese food delivery giant Meituan flags volatility as competition heats up
HighlightsMeituan reported a 46% increase in first-quarter net profit but anticipates potential challenges in the second quarter due to heightened competition in the instant retail sector. The company has pledged 100 billion yuan over three years for supply-side innovation as it faces aggressive competition from Alibaba's and JD Takeaway, both of which have committed substantial subsidies to attract customers. Meituan is expanding its international presence with a $1 billion investment in Brazil and is also focusing on unmanned drone delivery and artificial intelligence technology. China's leading food delivery group Meituan on Monday reported a 46 per cent rise in first-quarter net profit but warned that the second quarter would likely be hit by increased competition in so-called "instant retail". CEO Wang Xing told analysts on a post-earnings call that it was "impossible" to give accurate financial guidance for the rest of the year as competition is ramping up in the sector, which refers to online purchases delivered within 60 minutes. "Nobody should be surprised if there is volatility in short-term financial results," he said. In February, online retailer responded to Meituan's moves to expand beyond meals by moving aggressively into Meituan's core food delivery business. Alibaba , which operates the second-largest food delivery app, has also moved to increase its bets on the instant retail space. Both JD Takeaway and have pledged 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in subsidies to boost sales. "Ten billion here, ten billion there, every internet player wants to chip ten billion into this game," Wang said, as he pledged 100 billion yuan over three years for supply side innovation. Meituan has nearly 70% of the delivery market, Morningstar analysts said. Defending that customer base could prove expensive amid the intensifying competition, squeezing profit margins, they said. Another challenge could come from regulators, with China's State Administration for Market Regulation recently drafting new guidelines about how platforms such as Meituan, and Alibaba should charge fees to merchants. "I believe it's the job of the regulators to stop this irrational and unhealthy subsidy competition, and it's our job to win the fight as long as it goes on and we will do everything we can to win that fight," Wang said. Meituan reported revenue in the three months to March 31 of 86.6 billion yuan, a slightly larger-than-expected 18.1% rise. Fourteen analysts polled by LSEG had expected a 16.5% revenue gain. This month, Meituan announced a $1 billion investment over the next five years as it enters Brazil with its Keeta app. As well as expanding its international business - Keeta also operates in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia - Meituan has been investing in unmanned drone delivery and has joined the AI race, pledging to invest "billions" of dollars in the technology.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Keemart by Keeta launches in Riyadh, starting with Al Yasmin and Granada districts
Saudi Arabia - Keeta, the international subsidiary of Meituan - China's leading on-demand delivery giant - has officially launched Keemart, a new grocery delivery service designed to bring everyday essentials to users' doors in just 15 minutes. The service is now live in the Al Yasmin and Granada districts of Riyadh, with plans to expand across the city and other regions in Saudi Arabia. With Riyadh's fast-paced lifestyle and growing demand for digital convenience, Keemart comes at a time when convenience is no longer a luxury, it's an expectation. Keemart offers a practical and timely solution for residents seeking quick, reliable access to groceries and household necessities. The platform not only eliminates the need for last-minute store trips but also empowers local merchants by broadening their digital footprint. Keemart is built for everyday accessibility. Through the Keeta app, customers can browse an expanding selection of fruits, vegetables, snacks, beverages, dairy products, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. All products are sourced from trusted brands and suppliers to ensure freshness and quality. 'Our goal is simple: to make daily life easier for individuals and families across Riyadh,' said Aria Liu, Head of Keemart in Saudi Arabia. 'With Keemart, we're offering a faster, more reliable way to get everyday essentials delivered right to your door. This is part of our broader mission at Keeta to help people eat better, live better.' Couriers are stationed at local fulfillment hubs for immediate dispatch. All frozen and temperature-sensitive items are packed with ice packs to maintain optimal quality. Deliveries are powered by a smart dispatch system and an advanced last-mile logistics network - ensuring precise, efficient, and professional service from order to doorstep. Keemart's growth strategy includes rapid expansion into more Riyadh neighborhoods, followed by a nationwide rollout. This initiative aligns with Keeta's long-term vision to enhance quality of life through digital innovation while supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through technology, job creation, and the empowerment of local commerce.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Keemart by Keeta launches in Riyadh, starting with Al Yasmin and Granada districts
Keeta, the international subsidiary of Meituan - China's leading on-demand delivery giant - has officially launched Keemart, a new grocery delivery service designed to bring everyday essentials to users' doors in just 15 minutes. The service is now live in the Al Yasmin and Granada districts of Riyadh, with plans to expand across the city and other regions in Saudi Arabia. With Riyadh's fast-paced lifestyle and growing demand for digital convenience, Keemart comes at a time when convenience is no longer a luxury, it's an expectation. Keemart offers a practical and timely solution for residents seeking quick, reliable access to groceries and household necessities. The platform not only eliminates the need for last-minute store trips but also empowers local merchants by broadening their digital footprint. Keemart is built for everyday accessibility. Through the Keeta app, customers can browse an expanding selection of fruits, vegetables, snacks, beverages, dairy products, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. All products are sourced from trusted brands and suppliers to ensure freshness and quality. 'Our goal is simple: to make daily life easier for individuals and families across Riyadh,' said Aria Liu, Head of Keemart in Saudi Arabia. 'With Keemart, we're offering a faster, more reliable way to get everyday essentials delivered right to your door. This is part of our broader mission at Keeta to help people eat better, live better.' Couriers are stationed at local fulfillment hubs for immediate dispatch. All frozen and temperature-sensitive items are packed with ice packs to maintain optimal quality. Deliveries are powered by a smart dispatch system and an advanced last-mile logistics network - ensuring precise, efficient, and professional service from order to doorstep. Keemart's growth strategy includes rapid expansion into more Riyadh neighborhoods, followed by a nationwide rollout. This initiative aligns with Keeta's long-term vision to enhance quality of life through digital innovation while supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through technology, job creation, and the empowerment of local commerce. For additional information about Keeta's services, download the Keeta app from the App Store or Google Play.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chinese food delivery giant Meituan flags volatility as competition heats up
China's leading food delivery group Meituan on Monday reported a 46% rise in first-quarter net profit but warned that the second quarter would likely be hit by increased competition in so-called "instant retail". CEO Wang Xing told analysts on a post-earnings call that it was "impossible" to give accurate financial guidance for the rest of the year as competition is ramping up in the sector, which refers to online purchases delivered within 60 minutes. "Nobody should be surprised if there is volatility in short-term financial results," he said. In February, online retailer responded to Meituan's moves to expand beyond meals by moving aggressively into Meituan's core food delivery business. Alibaba , which operates the second-largest food delivery app, has also moved to increase its bets on the instant retail space. Both JD Takeaway and have pledged 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in subsidies to boost sales. "Ten billion here, ten billion there, every internet player wants to chip ten billion into this game," Wang said, as he pledged 100 billion yuan over three years for supply side innovation. Meituan has nearly 70% of the delivery market, Morningstar analysts said. Defending that customer base could prove expensive amid the intensifying competition, squeezing profit margins, they said. Another challenge could come from regulators, with China's State Administration for Market Regulation recently drafting new guidelines about how platforms such as Meituan, and Alibaba should charge fees to merchants. "I believe it's the job of the regulators to stop this irrational and unhealthy subsidy competition, and it's our job to win the fight as long as it goes on and we will do everything we can to win that fight," Wang said. Meituan reported revenue in the three months to March 31 of 86.6 billion yuan, a slightly larger-than-expected 18.1% rise. Fourteen analysts polled by LSEG had expected a 16.5% revenue gain. This month, Meituan announced a $1 billion investment over the next five years as it enters Brazil with its Keeta app. As well as expanding its international business - Keeta also operates in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia - Meituan has been investing in unmanned drone delivery and has joined the AI race, pledging to invest "billions" of dollars in the technology.
