宗馥莉被困在“接班人”里20年，但不会是永远

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments surrounding Wahaha's foray into the footwear market, particularly the controversy over the "Wahaha AD Calcium Milk" shoes, and the implications of leadership transition from Zong Qinghou to his daughter Zong Fuli [1][2][5]. Group 1: Wahaha's Footwear Venture - A new Douyin account named "Wahaha Sports Shoes and Clothing Flagship Store" has seen rapid growth, with the "Wahaha AD Calcium Milk" shoes selling nearly 20,000 pairs in just one month [1]. - The shoes are priced at 136 yuan and feature designs inspired by popular Wahaha beverages [1]. - Despite the initial success, Wahaha's management has stated that the production and sales of these shoes violate trademark agreements, leading to the termination of trademark authorization [1][2]. Group 2: Leadership Transition - Zong Fuli, the daughter of the late Zong Qinghou, has taken over leadership at Wahaha, facing challenges both internally and externally [5][6]. - Zong Fuli has initiated new product launches, including "New Ice Red Tea" and "Fruit Green Tea," aiming for significant sales growth [8]. - The transition has not been smooth, with reports of internal dissent and challenges from Zong Qinghou's brother, Zong Zehou, who is also entering the beverage market with a competing brand [10][11]. Group 3: Historical Context and Challenges - Wahaha's exploration into the clothing sector dates back to 2002, but previous attempts, such as the children's clothing line, faced difficulties and were eventually discontinued [3][4]. - The company has seen a significant increase in beverage sales, with a 53% year-on-year growth in 2024, largely driven by its classic products [6]. - Despite the growth, there are concerns about the sustainability of this success, as the company has struggled to innovate beyond its established product lines [6][9]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The emergence of a competing brand, "Yipin Zongshi AD Calcium Milk," which closely resembles Wahaha's branding, indicates increasing competition in the beverage market [10]. - Zong Fuli's leadership style and decisions have led to mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some questioning her approach to managing the company [11][12]. - The transfer of labor relations and contracts to her own company, Hongsheng Beverage, suggests a blurring of lines between the two entities, raising concerns about governance and operational clarity [15][16].