Alibaba founder Jack Ma starts ready-made food company

New Chinese business comes amid Ma's reported interest in agriculture tech

SHANGHAI -- Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese e-commerce leader Alibaba Group Holding, reportedly has established a new company that sells prepackaged food.

Ma inaugurated the company in China on Wednesday, capitalized at 10 million yuan ($1.39 million), corporate data provider Qichacha reports. The main business involves precooked meals, which have enjoyed growing demand in China due to the stay-at-home effect of the pandemic.

Ma stepped down from Alibaba's board in 2020, departing from day-to-day management. However, he is still listed as an Alibaba "partner" who retains a great deal of influence over the group.

As Alibaba contends with China's tightening regulatory controls, Ma had lived abroad until this spring. He reportedly has been seen in Japan, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Ma is said to have observed farming technology in these places. In Japan, he reportedly visited Kindai University's aquaculture research facility.

Ma holds a share in an aquaculture startup through an investment vehicle. This interest apparently has led to the founding of the new food company.

NIKKEI ASIA

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/China-tech/Alibaba-founder-Jack-Ma-starts-ready-made-food-company

世界の中の食品需要 および 環境に配慮された食品供給が重要視されているようです。