娃哈哈下达二选一最后通牒！经销商爆料：代理娃小宗就取消经销资格

Core Viewpoint - The recent internal notification from Wahaha has created significant turmoil within the beverage distribution network in China, forcing distributors to choose between the established brand Wahaha and the new brand "Wah Xiaozong" [1][3]. Group 1: Brand Conflict - Distributors received an ultimatum to either continue with the traditional Wahaha brand or switch to the new brand "Wah Xiaozong," leading to a crisis in trust built over 30 years [1][3]. - The internal conflict was foreshadowed by the announcement that Zong Fuli would no longer serve as the legal representative and chairman of Wahaha, coinciding with the push for the new brand [3]. Group 2: Shareholding Structure - The current shareholding structure complicates the situation, with three main stakeholders: Shangcheng Wen Shanglv holding 46%, Zong Fuli 29.4%, and the employee shareholding committee 24.6%, requiring unanimous consent for the use of the Wahaha trademark [3]. - Zong Fuli's control over the new brand "Wah Xiaozong" is evident as her company has been actively registering trademarks since May 2025, creating a competitive tension between the two brands [3]. Group 3: Legal Challenges - "Wah Xiaozong" faces significant legal hurdles, particularly regarding trademark law, which may restrict its ability to operate in a market where confusion with the Wahaha brand is possible [5]. - The strict enforcement of trademark regulations in 2024-2025 could pose a serious challenge for the new brand, affecting distributor confidence and inventory decisions [5]. Group 4: Distributor Dynamics - Wahaha's strategy of "removing small distributors and consolidating larger ones" has led to the exit of distributors with annual sales below 3 million yuan, creating a challenging environment for smaller players [5]. - Increased operational demands and reduced profit margins are pressuring small distributors, making them vulnerable to market fluctuations [5]. Group 5: Consumer Perception - The emotional connection consumers have with the Wahaha brand may not easily transfer to "Wah Xiaozong," complicating market acceptance and brand loyalty [7]. - The emergence of competing brands within the same family could confuse consumers, shifting their focus from product quality to brand legitimacy [7]. Group 6: Strategic Recommendations - A more effective approach would involve collaboration rather than forced competition, with clear delineation of roles between Wahaha and "Wah Xiaozong" [8]. - Establishing clear contractual agreements to define non-competitive areas and ensuring stable profit margins for distributors could foster a healthier market environment [8]. Group 7: Distributor Insights - Distributors should focus on cash flow stability, risk-sharing mechanisms, and clear legal protections when navigating this uncertain landscape [10]. - In the absence of clear rules, a cautious approach of observation and contraction may be the most prudent strategy for distributors [10]. Conclusion - The upheaval within the beverage industry reflects the challenges faced by established brands in adapting to new market dynamics, emphasizing the need for a cooperative ecosystem rather than adversarial tactics [12].