Core Viewpoint - The recent leadership change at Wahaha Group, with Xu Simin replacing Zong Fuli as the chairman and general manager, raises questions about the future direction of the company and the implications of this transition for its operations and brand strategy [4][5]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Xu Simin, aged 31, has a legal background and previously founded a fast-food brand before joining Hongsheng Group, where he gained recognition for his crisis management skills [5][7]. - Zong Fuli retains a significant 29.40% stake in Wahaha Group, suggesting that she may still exert considerable influence over the company's strategic decisions despite the leadership change [4][5]. - Xu's rapid ascent within Wahaha, from entering the executive team in August 2024 to becoming chairman in just over a year, indicates a strong alignment with Zong Fuli's vision and the existing corporate structure [10][12]. Group 2: Challenges Ahead - One of the immediate challenges for Xu Simin is the trademark issue, as the current ownership structure requires unanimous consent from all shareholders for the use of the "Wahaha" trademark, potentially leading to compliance complications [15]. - The recent attempt to launch the "Wawaixiong" brand has faced backlash from distributors, who are concerned about the implications for their existing agreements with Wahaha, highlighting the complexities of brand management in a competitive market [15][16]. - Xu Simin's previous experience in handling trademark disputes positions him well to navigate these challenges, as he has already demonstrated his capability in managing brand-related issues during his tenure at Hongsheng [16].

Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zong Fuli, daughter of Zong Qinghou, from her positions at Wahaha Group highlights ongoing governance challenges and unresolved trademark issues, leading her to pursue independent operations under the new brand "Wawaizong" [1][2][10]. Group 1: Resignation Details - Zong Fuli resigned from her roles as chairman and legal representative of Wahaha Group on September 12, 2025, marking her second resignation in a year [4][5]. - Her first resignation occurred on July 15, 2024, due to management challenges and shareholder doubts regarding her leadership [3][4]. - The recent resignation is linked to unresolved trademark usage issues, particularly concerning the valuation of the Wahaha trademark at 91.187 billion yuan [2][9]. Group 2: Trademark and Governance Issues - The Wahaha trademark has a complex history, originating from a dispute with Danone, which involved a failed trademark transfer agreement in 1996 [6][8]. - The trademark's ownership was confirmed to belong to Wahaha Group after a 2007 arbitration ruling, but the transfer to a subsidiary has faced legal hurdles [6][9]. - The inability to resolve these trademark issues has created significant governance challenges for Zong Fuli, leading to her perception of a lack of control [10][12]. Group 3: Future Plans and Market Position - Zong Fuli aims to establish the new brand "Wawaizong" with a sales target of 30 billion yuan, nearly 80% of Wahaha's current revenue [2][13]. - The new brand's trademark is owned by Hongsheng Group, and Zong Fuli has initiated a series of trademark registrations across various sectors [12][13]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with rival brands emerging, such as "Wawazhi," which offers similar products at lower prices [13][14]. Group 4: Management Changes - Following Zong Fuli's resignation, Xu Simin has been appointed as the new general manager of Wahaha Group, while the chairman position remains vacant [14]. - The management changes reflect the ongoing restructuring efforts within the company, which has faced challenges in adapting to modern management practices [14].