宗馥莉强推“娃小宗”，娃哈哈经销商直摇头

Core Viewpoint - The current chairman of Wahaha Group, Zong Fuli, plans to abandon the "Wahaha" brand established by her father and replace it with a new brand "Wawaizong" starting from the 2026 sales year due to ownership and trademark usage issues [1][4][6]. Group 1: Brand Transition - The decision to launch a new brand "Wawaizong" comes after the failure to transfer the "Wahaha" trademark to a company fully controlled by Zong Fuli, which would have allowed her to maintain control over the brand [6][7]. - The new brand "Wawaizong" has already seen the application for 45 trademarks covering various international categories, indicating a significant push towards establishing this new identity [9]. Group 2: Sales Challenges - Wahaha's sales have been declining, with reports indicating a drop in sales by 15% to 40% in various regions, attributed to market saturation and increased competition [12][13]. - The beverage industry is facing a downturn, with many retailers still selling stock from previous months, leading to concerns about future sales performance [11]. Group 3: Distributor Concerns - Distributors express skepticism about the new brand, fearing that consumer recognition and acceptance of "Wawaizong" will be challenging, especially in lower-tier markets where brand loyalty is strong [10][12]. - Many distributors are struggling with high inventory levels and low profit margins, with Wahaha's profit margins reported at only 10%, significantly below the industry average of 15% [22][24]. Group 4: Market Competition - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with brands like Nongfu Spring and others gaining market share through aggressive pricing and marketing strategies, further complicating Wahaha's position [19][28]. - The introduction of low-cost alternatives in the market has led to price wars, making it difficult for Wahaha to maintain its pricing structure and market presence [14][19]. Group 5: Internal Challenges - The company is facing internal challenges, including a complex product line that lacks focus, which hinders its ability to adapt to market changes effectively [36][37]. - The shift in strategy towards larger distributors has created instability in the distribution network, leading to fears among smaller distributors about their future viability [30][32].