Alibaba signs data deal with Unilever China

Alibaba Group and Unilever China have inked a strategic partnership that will enable Unilever to reach customers across China through Alibaba Group’s data-driven ecosystem.Key areas of collaboration include rural China penetration, cross-border e-commerce, consumer protection and big data.Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said the group and Unilever will jointly innovate in big data analytics application, cross-border e-commerce, and supply chain management looking down the road."In this rapidly changing business landscape, we are committed to continually provide greater value to merchants and better experiences to shoppers," said Zhang."Alibaba has changed the shopping habit of Chinese consumers," added Marijn Van Tiggelen, Unilever North Asia President."It’s not only an online store, but also a solution platform for online payment, e-finance, and e-commerce logistics. In cooperation with Alibaba, Unilever can provide more convenient services to consumers in China.”Unilever China opened its first Tmall flagship store in June 2011 and a Tmall Global flagship in September 2014, leveraging the free trade zone and bonded warehouse model.