Chinese e-commerce and logistics companies are stepping up efforts to expand their delivery networks and build logistics infrastructures in Europe, as part of a wider effort to increase delivery efficiency and preserve the stability of industrial and supply chains.

Ochama, the omnichannel retail brand of Chinese e-commerce giant JD in Europe, recently announced the expansion of its home delivery services into a further 19 countries, as the company aims to extend its presence across the continent.

Launched for the first time in the Netherlands in January 2022, Ochama offers a retail model that merges online and offline shopping experiences. Shoppers can enjoy the convenience of ordering products online via the Ochama app, where a wide range of products such as food, consumer electronics, beauty, maternal and infant products are offered.

Ochama also offers both collection and home delivery services. This expansion brings the brand's home delivery service to a network covering 24 countries, integrating with existing services in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Germany.

To date, Ochama has established over 500 pick-up points in Europe, and operates a 20,000 square-meter warehouse in the Netherlands, equipped with AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) robots that significantly improve sorting efficiency. All orders are packed in Ochama's automated warehouse in the Netherlands before being delivered to their final destination.

Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Chinese technology heavyweight Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, is also stepping up measures to build logistics networks and strengthen its service in Europe.

In particular, it has extended its last-mile delivery network in Spain, offering next-day delivery in nine major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a two-day delivery service in over 20 other Spanish cities.

The delivery network is strengthened by Cainiao's investments in intelligent logistics infrastructures such as automated sorting centers and parcel lockers. The company has developed a network of around 500 parcel lockers in Madrid and Barcelona to offer faster, more efficient and carbon-reducing experiences.

Finally, SF Airlines, the aviation arm of logistics giant SF Express, has invested heavily in providing airfreight services and expanding its cargo fleet in Europe. In July, it launched a new air freight route linking Ezhou, in Hubei province (central China), to Frankfurt, Germany.

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