“娃哈哈”千人集体诉讼：宗馥莉这把火，为何烧到了自己？

Core Viewpoint - The collective lawsuit by over a thousand Wahaha employees against current leader Zong Fuli highlights the tensions arising from her controversial "de-Wahaha" strategy, which is seen as a catalyst for a broader revolution in the company's business model [1][3]. Group 1: Employee and Distributor Reactions - Zong Fuli's first major action upon taking over in 2018 was to dismantle the "family factory integration" model established by her father, resulting in the closure of 12 factories with an average employee tenure of 25 years, leading to significant employee layoffs and dissatisfaction [3][5]. - The new distribution model has caused confusion among distributors, as payments are made to the Hongsheng group while goods are shipped from Wahaha, complicating tax deductions and leading to widespread frustration among 3,000 distributors [5][6]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Performance - Zong Fuli's reforms, while controversial, align with the "Made in China 2025" initiative, focusing on automation and efficiency, as evidenced by Hongsheng's 7,000 employees with an average age of 28 and a 68% automation rate [8]. - Despite a net profit increase of 11% in the first half of 2024, Wahaha's revenue fell by 7.3% year-on-year to 46.8 billion, indicating a strategy that sacrifices market share for profit margins in a declining consumer environment [9]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Challenges - Zong Fuli has three potential advantages: government support, a limited time window before the critical Chinese New Year sales period, and the enduring brand value of Wahaha, despite recent challenges [10]. - The ongoing transformation reflects broader issues faced by private enterprises in China, as they transition from family-run businesses to modern corporate structures, often encountering significant resistance and challenges [13]. Group 4: Brand and Public Perception - The spread of rumors, including unfounded claims about Zong Fuli's legal troubles, has damaged the brand's reputation, illustrating the rapid dissemination of misinformation in the digital age [14]. - Wahaha is not just a family business; it represents a collective memory for many Chinese consumers, emphasizing the need for a resolution that honors its legacy while navigating current challenges [15][16].