一罐饮料，撑起两国首富，也带来一场9年之争

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing legal and business disputes between Thai Red Bull and its Chinese counterpart, highlighting the challenges and market dynamics in the energy drink sector over the past nine years [3][58][81]. Group 1: Company Background - The Chuchai family, owners of Red Bull Group, topped the Forbes 2025 Thailand Rich List with a wealth of $44.5 billion (approximately 319.2 billion RMB) [3][6]. - Red Bull sold 13 billion cans in the past year, generating $12.9 billion in revenue, making it the leader in the global energy drink market [7][8]. - The brand's success is attributed to its strong performance in the energy drink sector and effective marketing strategies [7][30]. Group 2: Market Entry and Growth - Red Bull was introduced to China in 1995 after overcoming regulatory hurdles related to its ingredients [55][56]. - By 2012, Red Bull's sales in China exceeded 10 billion RMB, capturing over 80% of the functional beverage market [56]. - The brand's marketing slogans became widely recognized, contributing to its popularity [56]. Group 3: Legal Disputes - Following the death of founder Xu Shubiao in 2012, disputes arose over brand rights and profit-sharing, leading to over 60 lawsuits with claims amounting to hundreds of billions [59][63]. - The conflict has persisted for nine years, significantly impacting both companies and the brand's market position [64][81]. Group 4: Market Competition - During the ongoing disputes, competitors like Dongpeng Group's Dongpeng Special Drink have emerged, surpassing Red Bull in market share since 2021, reaching 47.9% in 2024 [74][75]. - Other brands such as "Alien" from Yuanqi Forest and "Scream" from Nongfu Spring are also gaining market share, indicating a shift in the energy drink landscape [77][79]. - The article suggests that Red Bull's internal conflicts may hinder its ability to capitalize on market opportunities [80].