Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding Wahaha's bottled water, which has been produced by contract manufacturer Jinmailang, leading to consumer confusion and quality concerns [2][6]. Group 1: Contract Manufacturing Issues - Consumers have noticed that Wahaha's bottled water is labeled as produced by Jinmailang, prompting questions about product authenticity and quality [2][4]. - Wahaha's official response indicated that the decision to use contract manufacturing was due to a surge in market demand, and they have since terminated the contract due to quality issues with certain batches [6][9]. - Despite the termination of the contract with Jinmailang, evidence suggests that Wahaha continues to engage other contract manufacturers, raising questions about their commitment to in-house production [16][18]. Group 2: Production Capacity and Factory Closures - Reports indicate that Wahaha's reliance on Jinmailang for production was partly due to insufficient capacity, exacerbated by the closure of several factories [22][23]. - The closures of these factories are linked to internal restructuring and potential conflicts involving key stakeholders within the company [25][28]. - The article suggests that the closures may be a strategic move by the new leadership to diminish the influence of long-standing employees associated with the previous management [27][28]. Group 3: Cultural and Leadership Changes - The article highlights a significant shift in company culture under the new leadership of Zong Fuli, contrasting with the previous management's emphasis on employee welfare and loyalty [30][31]. - The aggressive reforms initiated by Zong Fuli have led to a breakdown of the previously established "Wahaha-style warmth," impacting employee morale and consumer trust [30][32]. - The internal power struggles and their effects on production and employee treatment are seen as detrimental to the brand's reputation and consumer relationships [31][32].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Wahaha's bottled water being produced by Jinmailang has sparked significant public discussion, leading to a statement from Wahaha confirming the partnership and its termination in April 2025 [2][5]. Group 1: Production and Quality Issues - Wahaha confirmed that during the contract period, some batches of products failed factory sampling tests, but assured that all currently sold bottled water meets national standards [2]. - The partnership began in 2024 due to Wahaha's production capacity being stretched, with a 15% shortfall despite full operation of its own water plants, while Jinmailang had underutilized production lines [5]. Group 2: Consumer Reactions and Market Dynamics - Consumers noticed discrepancies in packaging, such as bottle cap patterns and body curvature, leading to skepticism about the product's authenticity and value [5]. - Wahaha's bottled water is priced approximately twice that of Jinmailang's similar products, causing a perceived value gap among consumers [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The incident occurs during a critical strategic transition for Wahaha, with plans to enhance its own production capabilities and upgrade quality control systems through technological improvements [6]. - The company faces the challenge of rebuilding consumer trust in its brand, which is seen as a national symbol, especially in the face of strong competition from brands like Nongfu Spring and Yibao [6].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Wahaha's bottled water, which was found to be produced by Jinmailang, has sparked significant public discussion and concern about brand trust and transparency in the beverage industry [1][3][9]. Group 1: Brand and Production Issues - Wahaha's bottled water was discovered to be produced by Jinmailang, leading to confusion among consumers who believed they were purchasing Wahaha products [1][3]. - The collaboration between Wahaha and Jinmailang was confirmed as a contract manufacturing arrangement, which was terminated by Wahaha after quality issues were identified in several batches [9][19]. - Consumers expressed dissatisfaction and felt misled, questioning why they were not informed about the outsourcing of production [11][17]. Group 2: Consumer Trust and Brand Image - The revelation of contract manufacturing has negatively impacted Wahaha's brand image, which has traditionally been associated with in-house production and high quality [19][21]. - The incident has raised concerns about product quality control, as consumers worry that they may have consumed substandard products [11][19]. - The public's trust in Wahaha is at risk, especially given the company's previous reputation for high standards in its bottled water products [13][19]. Group 3: Internal Company Dynamics - Following the leadership transition to Zong Fuli, Wahaha has faced internal conflicts and operational challenges, including the closure of multiple production lines [21][24]. - Employee dissatisfaction has grown, with over 1,500 workers reportedly joining in protests against company practices, including layoffs and reduced income [24][26]. - The ongoing reforms under Zong Fuli's leadership are seen as necessary but have led to significant turmoil within the company [26][27].

Core Viewpoint - Starting from 2024, consumers reported that Wahaha's purified water is actually produced by Jinmailang, leading to public outcry and discussions about product quality and pricing [1][3]. Group 1: Production and Quality Issues - Multiple Jinmailang subsidiaries, including Longyao, Heyuan, Xianning, and Tangyin, are involved in the production of Wahaha's purified water, which has different packaging from that produced directly by Wahaha [1]. - Consumers noted that a 24-bottle pack of Wahaha's purified water is priced at 29 yuan, while Jinmailang's equivalent is only 19 yuan, raising questions about the perceived value and quality associated with the Wahaha brand [3]. - Wahaha's CEO previously claimed that their water has a high purity level, with conductivity below 2, often used in laboratory settings [3]. Group 2: Consumer Reactions and Company Response - The revelation that Wahaha's purified water produced by Jinmailang is of similar quality to Jinmailang's own products has led some consumers to question why they should pay more for the Wahaha brand [5]. - While some consumers expressed dissatisfaction, others acknowledged that outsourcing production is common in the industry, emphasizing the importance of strict quality control [5]. - On May 15, Wahaha officially confirmed its contract manufacturing relationship with Jinmailang and announced the termination of this partnership starting April 2025 due to quality control issues identified during internal checks [5].

Group 1 - Wahaha's purified water is produced by Jinmailang under a contract manufacturing agreement, which has sparked discussions on social media about the pricing difference between the two brands [1][3] - Wahaha's purified water is priced nearly double that of Jinmailang's, with Wahaha's 24-pack (596ml) selling for 43.8 yuan and Jinmailang's 24-pack (550ml) at 21.91 yuan on Taobao [1] - Wahaha announced on May 15 that it has terminated its contract with Jinmailang effective April 2025 due to quality control issues discovered during internal checks [3][4] Group 2 - Wahaha attributed the need for contract manufacturing to a rapid increase in market demand for water products, which led to capacity constraints [5] - Reports indicate that some of Wahaha's factories have been temporarily shut down, affecting employees, with the company stating that these changes are part of an optimization strategy [6] - Wahaha is undergoing internal reforms and management optimization, which has resulted in short-term challenges for employees, but aims to enhance its market response capabilities [6]