TRT(SH:600085) 凤凰网财经·2025-12-16 13:19Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Beijing Tongrentang brand, particularly regarding the quality of its products and the implications of its private label business model, which allows for low-cost, flexible branding of health products [2][4][12]. Group 1: Brand and Product Quality Issues - A product labeled as "Beijing Tongrentang High Purity Antarctic Krill Oil" was found to contain zero phospholipid content, raising public concerns about the quality of Tongrentang products [5][12]. - The Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee is investigating the production company, Anhui Habao Pharmaceutical Co., and the distributor, Beijing Tongrentang (Sichuan) Health Pharmaceutical Co., for misleading claims [5][6]. - The packaging of the krill oil product prominently features the "Beijing Tongrentang" name, but it actually uses a different trademark owned by the distributor, which could mislead consumers [11][20]. Group 2: Business Model and Market Practices - The private label business model allows for low minimum order quantities, with initial orders starting at 10,000 boxes, enabling various products to be marketed under the Tongrentang brand [2][15]. - The article highlights that the core operation of the private label business involves brand authorization and contract manufacturing, with actual production outsourced to companies like Habao Pharmaceutical [13][28]. - The pricing strategy for these products can lead to significant markups on e-commerce platforms, with retail prices reaching 60 to over 90 yuan for products that cost much less to produce [17]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Responses - In response to the controversy, Tongrentang announced plans to sue the distributor for unauthorized use of its brand name, aiming to protect consumer rights and the company's reputation [4][12]. - The article notes a history of quality issues and regulatory penalties faced by Tongrentang and its subsidiaries, indicating a pattern of quality control failures [29][31]. - Legal experts suggest that Tongrentang has the right to take action against unauthorized use of its trademarks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining brand integrity and consumer trust [32].