Taobao Flash Sale has launched a high-end delivery product called "Home
Banquet," entering gray testing in Chengdu and Shenzhen. The pilot covers nine
outlets from five leading Chinese restaurants — Chaoshangchao (Michelin
three-star), Xujiacai (Michelin one-star), Chaimenhui (Michelin one-star), Zinan
and Wangba Yuanzi — and additional brands including Xinrongji (Michelin
three-star) and Ruyuan (Michelin two-star) have confirmed participation. The
service plans staged expansion to Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou before August.
According to available information, Home Banquet is being developed as an
independent product line rather than a straight repackaging of dine-in
offerings: it will feature new set-menu R&D, dedicated tableware/packaging and
redesigned fulfillment flows.
