Core Viewpoint - The plan to replace the "Wahaha" brand with "Wawa Xiaozong" has been reversed after only 41 days, leading to a decision to continue using the "Wahaha" brand for sales in 2026 [4][11]. Brand Strategy - On October 23, 2023, it was confirmed that distributors received notifications to continue selling "Wahaha" products, ending a period of uncertainty for Shandong distributors [5][11]. - The initial plan to switch to "Wawa Xiaozong" was met with resistance, as the "Wahaha" brand has a long-standing market recognition that is difficult to replace [11][12]. Corporate Structure - Despite resigning from her positions at Wahaha Group, Zong Fuli continues to control Hongsheng Beverage Group, which operates independently but is linked to Wahaha [12][14]. - Hongsheng has expanded its business into high-end equipment manufacturing, raw material research, and has over 40 subsidiaries and 100 production lines, indicating a robust operational capacity [12][14]. Market Competition - The emergence of "Wawa Xiaozong" and "Wawa Xiaozhi" indicates increased competition within the Zong family, with both brands vying for market share [9][19]. - The competitive landscape is further complicated by the fact that "Wawa Xiaozhi" is also being promoted by Zong Zehou, Zong Fuli's uncle, suggesting a family rivalry in the beverage market [19]. Brand Development - "Wawa Xiaozong" had begun to establish its brand identity with multiple trademark applications, but the recent decision to revert to "Wahaha" has rendered these efforts moot [16][18]. - The anticipated product offerings under "Wawa Xiaozong" are now unlikely to reach consumers, indicating a significant setback for the brand [18].

Core Viewpoint - The decision to replace the "Wahaha" brand with the new brand "Wawaixiong" has been reversed, as distributors have been notified to continue selling "Wahaha" products by paying a deposit for 2026 sales [1][2]. Group 1: Brand Transition - The new brand "Wawaixiong" was initially planned to replace "Wahaha" starting from 2026, following the founder's death and ongoing historical issues within the company [1][2]. - The "Wawaixiong" brand is under the Hongsheng Group, which was originally a contract manufacturer for Wahaha and has since expanded into a comprehensive beverage solutions provider [1]. Group 2: Trademark and Market Presence - Hongsheng Group has submitted numerous trademark applications for "Wawaixiong" and related brands, covering various product categories including food and beverages [1][2]. - The brand "Wahaha" has a significant market presence, with a brand value estimated at 91.187 billion yuan last year [2]. Group 3: Product Launch and Market Concerns - "Wawaixiong" has launched a product called "Nourishing Oolong Tea," priced at 4 yuan per bottle, featuring a sugar-free concept and traditional Chinese packaging [4]. - Distributors express concerns about the financial implications of promoting the new brand, including the need for substantial investment in market development and channel construction [4]. Group 4: Corporate Structure and Leadership Changes - The ownership structure of Wahaha Group includes 46% held by a state-owned enterprise, 29.4% by Zong Fuli, and 24.6% by a workers' cooperative [4]. - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions as the legal representative, director, and chairman of Wahaha Group, marking her second resignation amid ongoing management challenges [5].

Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zong Fuli has led to a decisive shift among distributors regarding whether to continue with the "Wahaha" brand or to pursue the new brand "Wawaixiaozong" Group 1: Brand Transition - Distributors have confirmed receiving notifications from the macro-controlled business personnel of Zong Fuli, requiring them to pay a deposit to continue selling "Wahaha" brand products next year [2] - Zong Fuli's resignation from her positions at Wahaha to fully focus on the new brand "Wawaixiaozong" has garnered significant attention [3] - Reports indicate that Zong Fuli's resignation was primarily due to the "non-compliance" of the Wahaha trademark usage rights, prompting her to establish her own brand "Wawaixiaozong" [4] Group 2: Brand Development - Over a month ago, it was reported that the macro-controlled beverage company decided to launch the new brand "Wawaixiaozong" [5] - An internal document from Hangzhou Wahaha Honghui Food and Beverage Co., Ltd. mentioned that starting from the 2026 sales year, the company would replace the "Wahaha" brand with the new brand "Wawaixiaozong" to ensure compliance [5] - A Weibo account named "Wawaixiaozong" was verified on October 11, with over ten thousand followers, indicating strong initial interest in the new brand [5] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Following Zong Fuli's resignation and the launch of "Wawaixiaozong," a new brand "Wawaxiaozhi" has also been introduced by Zong Fuli's uncle, Zong Qinghou's brother [6]

Core Points - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions as legal representative, director, and chairman of Wahaha Group as of September 12, 2023, but remains the second-largest shareholder [1] - The resignation is reportedly linked to trademark compliance issues, prompting Zong Fuli to focus on her own brand "Wah Xiaozong" [2][7] - Wahaha Group plans to transition to the new brand "Wah Xiaozong" starting from the 2026 sales year due to unresolved historical issues and legal risks associated with the current brand [2][4] Group 1: Resignation and Brand Transition - Zong Fuli's resignation was confirmed through the group's shareholder and board meetings [1] - The decision to shift to "Wah Xiaozong" is aimed at ensuring compliance with trademark usage, which requires unanimous consent from all shareholders under the current ownership structure [2][5] - The brand "Wah Xiaozong" is owned by Hongsheng Group, which Zong Fuli controls, allowing her to operate independently from Wahaha Group's governance [4][7] Group 2: Corporate Structure and Shareholding - Wahaha Group's current shareholding structure includes 46% held by a state-owned enterprise, 29.4% by Zong Fuli, and 24.6% by a workers' union [5] - The shift to "Wah Xiaozong" allows Zong Fuli to bypass the constraints imposed by the largest shareholder and the existing corporate structure [7] - Recent changes have seen multiple Wahaha subsidiaries rebranded under the "Hongsheng" name, indicating a strategic shift in the company's branding approach [8] Group 3: Background and Context - Zong Fuli, born in January 1982, is the daughter of Wahaha's founder, Zong Qinghou, and has held various leadership roles within the company since 2018 [8][9] - The company has faced challenges, including a billion-dollar inheritance dispute, which has influenced Zong Fuli's decision-making and corporate strategy [11] - Recent internal issues, including the investigation of a key executive, highlight ongoing governance challenges within Wahaha Group [11]

Core Points - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions at Wahaha Group, including legal representative, director, and chairman, effective September 12, 2024, following a series of controversies and management challenges after the death of founder Zong Qinghou [1][2][3] - Despite her resignation, Zong Fuli remains a significant shareholder in Wahaha Group and is focusing on her new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" [1][4] - The transition to "Wawa Xiaozong" comes amid legal complexities regarding the use of the Wahaha trademark, which requires unanimous consent from all shareholders for its usage [5][6] Company Background - Zong Fuli, born in 1982, has been a prominent figure in the beverage industry since 2004, leading Hongsheng Beverage Group to become one of China's top private enterprises [2][3] - She has held various leadership roles within Wahaha Group, including Vice Chairman and General Manager, and has been involved in significant reforms and expansions within the company [2][3] Brand Development - The new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" is seen as a response to the inability to use the Wahaha trademark, with the company planning to shift its branding strategy to mitigate legal risks [5][6] - Zong Fuli previously launched the KELLYONE brand, which has since faded from the market, raising questions about the viability of her new venture [7][8] Market Implications - The ongoing changes within Wahaha Group and Zong Fuli's departure may impact the company's market position and brand identity, as stakeholders assess the future of both Wahaha and "Wawa Xiaozong" [1][5][8] - The complexities surrounding trademark usage and shareholder agreements highlight potential challenges for the company's operational continuity and brand strategy [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "Wawa Xiaozong" brand under Hongsheng Beverage Group marks a strategic shift following the resignation of Zong Fuli from Wahaha Group, driven by compliance issues regarding trademark usage [3][5]. Group 1: Company Structure and Changes - Hongsheng Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hengfeng Trading Co., Ltd., with Zong Fuli as the legal representative and general manager, while Zong Fuli's resignation from Wahaha Group was effective on September 12 [3]. - Following Zong Fuli's resignation, several subsidiaries of Wahaha have undergone business changes, rebranding to the "Hongsheng" system, including companies in Nanyang, Shanxi, and Hulin [3]. - Hongsheng Beverage Group was initially established in 2003 as a contract manufacturer for Wahaha and has since expanded its operations to include beverage production and upstream supply chain solutions [3]. Group 2: Trademark and Brand Development - Hongsheng Beverage Group has submitted numerous trademark applications for "Wawa Xiaozong" across various categories, including food and beverages, with some applications already undergoing preliminary review [3]. - A notice from the "Hongsheng System" indicated that due to the need for unanimous shareholder consent for the use of the "Wahaha" trademark, the company plans to transition to the new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" starting from the 2026 sales year [5]. Group 3: Ownership and Shareholding Structure - Zong Fuli holds significant positions in over 210 associated enterprises, with more than 200 currently operational, including key entities like Wahaha Commercial Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co., Ltd. [5]. - The shareholding structure of Wahaha shows that the state-owned Wen Shang Lv Investment Holding Group holds 46%, Zong Fuli personally holds 29.4%, and the grassroots union holds 24.6% [5].

Core Points - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions as the legal representative, director, and chairman of Wahaha Group as of September 12, 2023, following the approval of the shareholders' meeting and board of directors [1] - The company plans to transition to a new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" starting from the 2026 sales year due to unresolved historical issues and legal risks associated with the "Wahaha" brand [3][5] - The decision to change the brand is driven by the need for compliance and to mitigate ongoing legal risks, as the use of the "Wahaha" trademark requires unanimous consent from all shareholders [5][6] Company Structure - Wahaha Group was established in February 1993 with a registered capital of approximately 5.26 billion RMB, with major shareholders including Hangzhou Shangcheng District Cultural and Tourism Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. (46%), Zong Fuli (29.4%), and the employee stock ownership committee (24.6%) [8] - Zong Fuli controls over 210 enterprises, with more than 200 currently in operation, including Wahaha Commercial Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co., Ltd. [8] Brand Transition - The new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" has been registered on social media platforms, indicating a strategic shift in branding for the company [11] - The company aims to maintain communication with distributors and address their concerns regarding the transition to the new brand [6]

Core Points - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions as legal representative, director, and chairman of Wahaha Group on September 12, 2023, confirmed by company staff [1] - The resignation is reportedly due to "non-compliance" in trademark usage, as Zong Fuli plans to focus on her own brand "Wawaizong" [3] - Wahaha Group is set to transition to the new brand "Wawaizong" starting from the 2026 sales year to address historical compliance issues and legal risks associated with the current brand [4][6] Company Background - Zong Fuli, born in January 1982, is the daughter of Wahaha Group founder Zong Qinghou and has held various positions within the company since 2018, including vice general manager and general manager [8] - As of August 2024, Zong Fuli became the legal representative and chairman of Wahaha Group following the passing of Zong Qinghou [8] - Zong Fuli controls over 210 companies, with more than 200 currently active, including Wahaha Commercial Co., Ltd. and other subsidiaries [9] Brand Transition - The decision to change the brand to "Wawaizong" is driven by the need to resolve complex historical issues that expose the company to legal risks [6] - An internal document from Hangzhou Wahaha Honghui Food and Beverage Co., Ltd. indicates that the company has been working to ensure compliance in brand usage since the founder's death [4] - The brand change requires unanimous consent from all shareholders of Wahaha Group for the continued use of the "Wahaha" trademark [6]

Core Viewpoint - The internal conflict within Wahaha Group has escalated, marked by the resignation of Zong Fuli from key positions, including legal representative and chairman, amid trademark usage disputes and her decision to launch a new brand, "Wawaizong" [1][4][5]. Group 1: Resignation and Leadership Changes - Zong Fuli resigned from her roles at Wahaha Group on September 12, confirmed by company insiders [1]. - Xu Simin, former legal head of Hongsheng Group, is expected to succeed Zong Fuli as chairman [2]. - This marks Zong Fuli's second resignation, previously stepping down in July 2024 due to shareholder concerns about her management [4]. Group 2: Shareholder Dynamics - Wahaha Group's ownership structure includes three main shareholders: Zong Fuli (29.40%), Hangzhou Shangcheng District Cultural Tourism Investment Holding Group (46.00%), and the Wahaha Group grassroots trade union (24.60%) [4]. - Zong Fuli's resignation has intensified visible conflicts among shareholders, prompting speculation about her future intentions [4]. Group 3: Trademark and Brand Strategy - The resignation is linked to ongoing disputes over the compliance of the "Wahaha" trademark, with Zong Fuli's new brand "Wawaizong" being a strategic pivot [5][6]. - An internal document indicated that starting from the 2026 sales year, the company would transition to the new brand "Wawaizong" to ensure compliance with trademark usage [6]. - The "Wahaha" brand is valued at over 90 billion yuan [6]. Group 4: New Brand Launch - Zong Fuli's new brand "Wawaizong" has already been introduced, featuring a sugar-free tea beverage [7]. - The effectiveness of "Wawaizong" as a competitive brand remains to be seen [8].

Core Viewpoint - Zong Fuli has resigned from her positions at Wahaha Group, including legal representative, director, and chairman, to independently operate her brand "Wawaizong" due to trademark compliance issues [1][2][3]. Group 1: Resignation Details - Zong Fuli officially resigned on September 12, 2023, and the resignation was confirmed by Wahaha Group [1][2]. - The resignation was part of a broader strategy to address compliance issues related to the use of the "Wahaha" trademark [3][5]. Group 2: Brand Transition - Starting from the 2026 sales year, Wahaha Group plans to transition to the new brand "Wawaizong" due to unresolved historical issues that pose legal risks [4][5]. - The decision to change the brand was influenced by the need for unanimous consent from all shareholders for the use of the "Wahaha" trademark, which has become increasingly complex [5]. Group 3: Corporate Structure - Zong Fuli controls over 210 companies, with more than 200 currently operational, including Wahaha Commercial Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co., Ltd. [8]. - Wahaha Group was established in February 1993 with a registered capital of approximately 5.26 billion RMB, with Zong Fuli holding a 29.4% stake [9].