Waitrose China launches via Alibaba
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Upmarket British grocery chain Waitrose has broken new ground in a deal with online marketplace Alibaba, opening the doors for it to export to China.
Waitrose China will offer products and ranges to buyers across the mainland exclusively through theRoyal Mail Store on Tmall Global, Alibaba Group’s online marketplace. Waitrose arranged the deal through Avenue51, which runs Royal Mail’s store on the platform.
Royal Mail promotes British companies, and Waitrose will be one of its highest-profile brands with a dedicated page on its online store. There will be 30 products initially, including biscuits, cereals, coffee, nuts and tea, plus beauty, baby and organic ranges.
“The potential for Waitrose in China is huge, and though this is a relatively modest start it’s our ambition to see it become our biggest international business in the next three to five years,” says Waitrose commercial director Mark Williamson.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which platform will Waitrose use to sell its products in China?
Which platform will Waitrose use to sell its products in China?
Waitrose China will exclusively offer its products to buyers across the mainland through the Royal Mail Store on Tmall Global. Tmall Global is Alibaba Group’s online marketplace.
Q.Who facilitated the agreement between Waitrose and Alibaba?
Who facilitated the agreement between Waitrose and Alibaba?
Waitrose arranged the deal through Avenue51, the company responsible for operating Royal Mail’s store on the Tmall Global platform. Royal Mail promotes British companies on this store.
Q.How many products will Waitrose initially offer in China and what are some examples?
How many products will Waitrose initially offer in China and what are some examples?
Waitrose will initially offer 30 products, including biscuits, cereals, coffee, nuts and tea. Beauty, baby and organic ranges will also be available for Chinese customers.
Q.What are Waitrose's long-term aspirations for its business in China?
What are Waitrose's long-term aspirations for its business in China?
Waitrose's commercial director aims for China to become their biggest international business. They hope to achieve this within the next three to five years, despite the current modest start.
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