汇源“被收购”卡壳 牵出商标擦边风波

Core Viewpoint - Huayuan Juice has issued a statement denying negative rumors about its financial status and future prospects, asserting that these claims are false and malicious, aimed at damaging the reputation of the brand and private enterprises in China [2][7]. Company Overview - Huayuan Juice was established in 1992 and became a well-known brand in China, achieving significant growth with a market share of 42% and annual sales of 2.4 billion yuan in 2008 [2][5]. - The company faced financial difficulties post-IPO, with a debt of 11.4 billion yuan in 2017 against assets of only 4.5 billion yuan, leading to its delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2021 and subsequent bankruptcy restructuring [4][5]. Recent Developments - In July 2022, Huayuan Juice's restructuring plan was approved, with investment from Wensheng Assets amounting to 1.6 billion yuan, aimed at upgrading production and operations [5]. - In July 2023, Guozhong Water announced plans to acquire Huayuan Juice, which generated renewed market interest, but the acquisition was later terminated due to regulatory issues regarding the transfer of shares [6][7]. Brand Reputation and Market Position - Huayuan Juice claims to hold the position of "No. 1 in national sales of 100% juice," supported by third-party certification, despite facing criticism regarding its branding practices [7][8]. - The company has registered multiple trademarks, including "Huayuan 100%" and "Huayuan NFC," which have raised concerns about potential consumer deception due to their similarity to product names [8][9]. Industry Context - The NFC juice segment is gaining popularity among consumers for its fresh and preservative-free qualities, although there are concerns about misleading products in the market [10][11]. - The use of similar trademarks by leading brands like Huayuan raises questions about industry standards and consumer protection, as misleading branding can lead to consumer confusion and potential legal repercussions [9][10].