Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Zong Fuli, the successor of Wahaha, in navigating the complexities of leadership and reform within the company, highlighting her aggressive strategies and the resulting conflicts with various stakeholders [4][5][12]. Group 1: Leadership Challenges - Zong Fuli's leadership style contrasts sharply with her father Zong Qinghou's approach, leading to significant internal conflicts and a lack of support from long-standing employees and partners [5][11]. - The company is currently facing three major crises: brand inheritance issues, family disputes, and survival challenges in a competitive market [9][11]. Group 2: Reform Strategies - Zong Fuli has attempted to consolidate control by transferring all Wahaha trademarks to her holding company, Hongsheng, but faced resistance from state-owned assets [13][30]. - Her aggressive reforms have included dismissing long-term employees and cutting ties with established distributors, which has led to further unrest within the company [18][19][31]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - Wahaha has struggled to keep up with market trends, missing opportunities in the sugar-free tea and sparkling water segments, which has resulted in a reliance on products developed during Zong Qinghou's tenure [11][12]. - Despite launching new products, Zong Fuli's marketing efforts have not translated into significant sales growth, raising questions about her effectiveness as a leader [11][12]. Group 4: Personal and Family Dynamics - The ongoing family disputes over inheritance and control of the company have created a tense atmosphere, complicating Zong Fuli's position as the leader [10][54]. - Zong Fuli's attempts to distance herself from her father's legacy while simultaneously leveraging it for her own gain have led to a precarious balance of power within the family [41][54]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The article suggests that Zong Fuli's aggressive tactics may ultimately backfire, as they risk alienating key stakeholders and undermining her legitimacy as a leader [52][56]. - The potential for legal and financial repercussions from her actions raises concerns about her long-term viability in the role [56][59].

Core Insights - The company aims to achieve an annual sales revenue of 100 billion yuan, a goal set by its founder, but has faced challenges in recent years, with revenue dropping to around 70 billion yuan in 2024 [1][3] - The company is currently dealing with a significant inheritance dispute involving the founder's children, which has created a challenging environment for the new leadership [1][4] - Despite the turmoil, some distributors report that sales have remained stable, although overall performance has not met expectations [5][6] Sales Performance - Following the founder's death, there was a temporary surge in sales, with a reported 500% increase in online sales, but this momentum has not continued into the current year [3][4] - Recent data indicates a significant decline in daily sales on e-commerce platforms, dropping from 10,000-12,000 units to 5,000-7,500 units [5] - Year-on-year comparisons show that many distributors have not experienced significant growth, with some reporting a decline of at least 30% in sales [6][8] Distributor Challenges - Distributors are facing pressure to achieve a 50% increase in sales, a target many believe is unrealistic [10][12] - Some distributors are struggling with inventory issues, selling products at a loss due to price pressures [8][12] - The company has closed 18 production lines this year, impacting its ability to meet demand and maintain sales levels [12][14] Strategic Adjustments - The new leadership is implementing changes to improve distributor support and market responsiveness, including assigning dedicated personnel to assist distributors [10][14] - The company is focusing on enhancing its distribution channels and increasing the visibility of its products in retail spaces [15] - There is a noted lack of new product offerings, which may hinder the company's ability to attract consumer interest and drive sales growth [15]