File photo/NBD

On May 17, Alibaba's Hema store announced the launch of its global supply chain strategy, setting up 8 global procurement centers to better bring global products into China.

At the beginning of the year, Hema listed its own brand, pre-packaged meals, and imported goods as its three primary departments for the year, and has since continued to focus on importing goods.

It is reported that 33 overseas retailers have partnered with Hema so far this year.

"For our import strategy, from day one, Hema has been defined as an international company, because Alibaba is an international company," said Hema CEO Hou Yi.

From 2016 to 2023, Hema completed the first phase of its work, moving from an emerging business model to a sustainable and stable business model.

Regarding Hema's global dream, Hou Yi explained that the first step is to achieve "coming from the world", looking at the Chinese market from the perspective of the global supply chain, and introducing the best and most competitive products from around the world, because global imported goods can achieve the best production sites, lowest costs, latest technology, best brands, and optimal supply chains. 

The second step is to "go to the world".

Hou Yi hopes that Hema's business format can expand to developed countries such as Europe and America in the future. "We have countless good products that can enter the global market, and there are almost no global retail businesses that can achieve 70% online sales like we can. Currently, online sales in Europe and America account for about 10%, so we believe there is a huge market space, and Hema is willing to go to the world."