AliExpress said on the 22nd that it will pilot an online grocery channel called "AliFresh."
This is the first local business introduced since AliExpress was incorporated into the Shinsegae Group–Alibaba joint venture last month. Through AliFresh, AliExpress plans to build a new touchpoint that connects domestic food and daily-goods sellers and consumers.
AliFresh operates as an independent channel within the AliExpress app. In this pilot launch phase, it will focus on selling domestic agricultural products and processed foods. Going forward, the company plans to improve packaging and delivery efficiency and expand the product lineup to items such as small-portion foods to officially roll out the grocery channel.
AliExpress plans to use AliFresh to apply its global platform operation know-how and ramp up a "local-to-local" business in the domestic market.
An AliExpress official said, "We will reflect seller and consumer feedback during the pilot period to grow into an online retail service optimized for the Korean market."