Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zong Fuli from Wahaha Group indicates significant internal conflicts and strategic shifts within the company, particularly regarding brand management and ownership issues [4][10][30]. Group 1: Resignation and Management Changes - Zong Fuli officially resigned from all positions at Wahaha Group on September 12, 2025, with the company appointing Xu Simin as the new general manager, although the chairman position remains vacant [4][10]. - Internal analysis suggests that Xu Simin's close relationship with Zong Fuli implies that actual control may still lie with Zong Fuli despite her resignation [4][10]. - Zong Fuli's resignation is speculated to be a strategic move to distance herself from potential legal issues related to brand management and to possibly negotiate better terms with major stakeholders [4][10][21]. Group 2: Brand Transition to "Wawa Xiaozong" - Zong Fuli is shifting focus to her new brand "Wawa Xiaozong," which has already registered its official social media presence [7][8]. - The decision to create a new brand stems from compliance issues with the use of the "Wahaha" trademark, which has been embroiled in legal complexities and ownership disputes [21][22]. - The new brand "Wawa Xiaozong" is set to replace "Wahaha" starting from the 2026 sales year, as the company aims to mitigate legal risks associated with the existing brand [16][21]. Group 3: Family Dynamics and Market Competition - The internal family dynamics have intensified, with Zong Fuli's relatives also launching competing brands, such as "Wawa Xiaozhi" and "Hu Xiaozong," indicating a fragmented family business landscape [26][30]. - Analysts express skepticism about the success of Zong Fuli's new brand in the highly competitive beverage market, suggesting that the established "Wahaha" brand holds significant value that "Wawa Xiaozong" may struggle to replicate [24][25]. - The ongoing family disputes and the involvement of various relatives in launching competing brands could further complicate Wahaha's market position and brand identity [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing power struggle within Wahaha Group, focusing on Zong Fuli's attempts to assert control over the brand and the company amidst internal conflicts and external pressures [1][11]. Group 1: Zong Fuli's Leadership and Strategy - Zong Fuli initiated a significant power play by resigning last year, which ultimately led to her becoming the chairman of Wahaha and acquiring all shares held by her father, Zong Qinghou [2][5]. - Recently, Zong Fuli has proposed to replace the iconic "Wahaha" brand with a new brand called "Wawa Xiaozong," which she controls through Hongsheng Beverage [3][4]. - The Wahaha brand is valued at over 90 billion, and changing it could erase decades of brand equity built during Zong Qinghou's era [4][5]. Group 2: Internal Conflicts and Brand Control - Zong Fuli currently holds 29.4% of Wahaha Group, while the employee stockholding committee owns 24.6%, limiting her control over the brand [5][12]. - Attempts to transfer the Wahaha trademark to a company she controls were unsuccessful, prompting her to accelerate the rebranding process [5][6]. - Zong Fuli's strategy includes phasing out Wahaha-related enterprises and promoting new brands, indicating a significant shift in the company's direction [6][7]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Dealer Resistance - The introduction of "Wawa Xiaozong" faces skepticism from dealers, with reports indicating that 99% of Wahaha dealers are unwilling to sell the new brand [8][9]. - Despite a projected revenue increase to 700 billion in 2024, dealers are under pressure to meet higher sales targets without new hit products [9][10]. - The previous brand KELLYONE, also launched by Zong Fuli, failed to gain traction, raising concerns about the viability of new brands [10][11]. Group 4: Legal and Inheritance Issues - Zong Fuli is embroiled in a legal battle over inheritance rights, which complicates her control over Wahaha Group and its assets [12][13]. - The ongoing inheritance dispute with her siblings poses a significant threat to her leadership and the company's future direction [13][14]. - The brand change may be a strategic move to mitigate the impact of these legal challenges and assert her authority [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing brand transition of Wahaha, initiated by Zong Fuli, amidst a family inheritance dispute, highlighting the complexities of brand ownership and potential legal risks associated with the new brand "Wah Xiaozong" [5][6][11]. Group 1: Brand Transition and Legal Context - Zong Fuli's decision to change the brand to "Wah Xiaozong" is a strategic move to navigate legal risks stemming from unresolved historical issues related to brand ownership [6][11]. - The Wahaha brand is valued at approximately 90 billion yuan, and the company has faced challenges in transferring trademark rights due to ongoing disputes [14][18]. - The ownership structure of Wahaha Group includes a significant stake held by state-owned entities, with Zong Fuli controlling 29.4% and a workers' union holding 24.6% [11][27]. Group 2: Family Disputes and Financial Implications - The inheritance battle involves Zong Fuli and her half-siblings, who are seeking a total of $2.1 billion (approximately 150 billion yuan) in trust rights promised by their father, Zong Qinghou [8][31]. - The ongoing legal disputes have led to operational challenges, including the closure of multiple factories and significant layoffs, affecting employee morale and financial stability [25][29]. - Zong Fuli's strategy to establish "Wah Xiaozong" may require substantial investment and time to build brand recognition, with initial losses expected due to market acceptance uncertainties [21][26]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Outlook - Despite internal conflicts, Wahaha has reported a significant revenue increase, projecting sales of around 70 billion yuan, marking a 40% growth compared to the previous year [36]. - The introduction of "Wah Xiaozong" is seen as a double-edged sword, potentially offering a fresh start while also posing risks of brand dilution and market confusion [13][21]. - The future success of the new brand will depend on effective marketing strategies and the ability to leverage Zong Fuli's personal brand to attract younger consumers [21][26].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing inheritance dispute within the Wahaha Group, focusing on the actions taken by Zong Fuli, the daughter of the late founder Zong Qinghou, in response to the legal challenges posed by her half-siblings and their mother, Du Jianying [5][6][40]. Group 1 - The Hong Kong High Court issued an asset preservation order of $1.799 billion, preventing the defendants from withdrawing or mortgaging related bank account assets until a final ruling is made by the courts in Hangzhou [5][44]. - The inheritance dispute has intensified, with Zong Fuli taking proactive measures, including renaming the Wahaha flagship store on Tmall to "Tongyuan Kang Food Specialty Store," effectively severing ties with the previous management controlled by Du Jianying [10][14][26]. - The rebranding of the store is seen as a strategic move by Zong Fuli to diminish Du Jianying's influence and control over the Wahaha brand during the ongoing legal battle [20][27]. Group 2 - The article highlights the complexities of the inheritance case, revealing that Zong Qinghou had established trusts for his three children with Du Jianying, each valued at $700 million, but the legitimacy of these trusts is now in question due to Zong Fuli's refusal to sign the necessary documents [46][56]. - Zong Fuli's actions, including the closure of 18 factories controlled by Du Jianying and the rebranding of the Tmall store, indicate a significant internal power struggle within the Wahaha Group, aimed at consolidating her authority [29][38]. - The article suggests that while the asset preservation order may seem like a setback for Zong Fuli, she may still hold advantages, including a will that designates her as the sole heir to her father's overseas assets [56][60].

Group 1 - The Hong Kong High Court ruled on the inheritance dispute involving Wahaha Group founder Zong Qinghou, approving a temporary injunction requested by three plaintiffs [2][3] - The court ordered the defendant, Zong Fuli, to refrain from withdrawing or transferring any assets from the Hong Kong HSBC account of Jian Hao Ventures Limited until the outcome of related litigation in Hangzhou [3][5] - The plaintiffs, Zong Jichang, Zong Jieli, and Zong Jisheng, claim to be non-marital children of Zong Qinghou, while the defendant is Zong Qinghou's only daughter and current chairman of Wahaha Group, Zong Fuli [4] Group 2 - Zong Qinghou established two wills in February 2024, one concerning specific overseas assets and the other regarding assets within mainland China, neither of which named the plaintiffs as beneficiaries [3][5] - The plaintiffs allege that Zong Qinghou had instructed subordinates to set up a trust account at HSBC in Hong Kong, promising to allocate $700 million to each of them, totaling $2.1 billion [5] - As of early 2024, the HSBC account balance was approximately $1.8 billion, with $110,000 reportedly withdrawn from the account by May 2024 [5]

Group 1 - The ongoing inheritance dispute of the Zong family has drawn attention due to its complex overseas asset layout and intense family infighting [1][2] - In January 2024, the Zong family purchased a property in Bel Air, Los Angeles for $25 million, which was significantly below market value, marking it as the last overseas property acquired by the late Zong [1] - Zong's daughter, Zong Fuli, has been active in the Hong Kong real estate market, having made a profit of HKD 14.9 million from a property sale in 2018 [1] Group 2 - The inheritance battle has escalated to legal proceedings, with Zong's non-marital children suing Zong Fuli in courts in Hong Kong and Hangzhou for account freezes and equity division [2] - The Hong Kong court's decision regarding the inheritance is postponed until September 2025, raising concerns about the stability of the control over the Waduo Group, which holds a 46% stake in the Chinese market [2] - The public perception of Zong's image as a "common man" has been challenged due to the family's hidden overseas assets and the complexities surrounding the inheritance dispute [2]