Dingdong: Leader in Community Fresh-food E-commerce Business

Lingfang Li; Yangbo Chen; Yi Liu; Jingshu Lan

Product #:FDC-26060-2X-CE_P

Supplier:School of Management at Fudan University

Discipline:Strategy

Setting:China, 2026

Details:Case (PDF) • 28 pages • 2026-01-05 (Rev: 2026-01-05)

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Since its founding in 2017, the fresh‑food e‑commerce platform Dingdong completed a strategic shift from proxy purchasing to full self‑operation within three years and listed on the NYSE in 2021. In early 2026, Meituan acquired Dingdong for RMB 5.6 billion. This case examines Dingdong’s rapid growth and strategic adjustments, exploring how fresh‑food e‑commerce firms can quickly adapt their business models and operating strategies amid a complex and changing market

Learning Objectives

This case is applicable to, but not limited to, the courses including managerial economics, business administration, industrial organization and strategic management. It can be used as a material for general discussions among middle-senior managers and entrepreneurs who attend the EMBA or MBA programs. This case aims to familiarize students with Dingdong’s founding context, development trajectory, operating model, strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and challenges it faces. Through studying the case, students are guided to deepen their understanding and application of analytical tools such as SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and the Business Model Canvas. The case is designed to enrich students’ knowledge of company strategy, market dynamics, and industry structure, and to sharpen their case‑analysis and problem‑solvi

Dingdong: Leader in Community Fresh-food E-commerce Business

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Learning Objectives