Global B2B ecommerce platform Alibaba.com is reporting a significant increase in business activity in the pet care category.
The platform reported a 14% year-on-year increase in the number of daily active buyers in the first week of its March Expo 2023, ranking it as the fourth highest product category in growth terms.
The ecommerce organisation says this represents a clear shift to online sourcing, with buyers seeking alternatives to traditional forms of procurement to mitigate supply chain delays. According to the platform’s research, over the last year more than 44% of businesses have switched to a new supplier, with 13% citing demands for a larger product range; 12% citing logistical reasons; and 12% citing difficult returns processes. Alibaba reports that more than 44% of B2B buyers in the UK are now using digital platforms, with the figure expected to increase to 51% of buyers within the next five years.
Roland Palmer, general manager of UK, Benelux & Nordics for Alibaba Group, said: “There are significant benefits associated with retail e-sourcing, which B2B buyers in the UK are increasingly taking advantage of.
“Competitive pricing, time-saving, and increased transparency and efficiency in the outsourcing of the procurement process are all key factors in the switch to digital sourcing. With more and more UK B2B buyers using digital platforms to source, Alibaba.com is well positioned to serve them.”
