Core Viewpoint - The departure of Zong Fuli from Wahaha Group marks a significant shift in the Chinese beverage industry, as she aims to independently operate her new brand "Wah Xiaozong" after just 13 months as chairman [1] Group 1: Resignation and Brand Strategy - Zong Fuli's resignation was not sudden; it was influenced by complex equity structures and brand control issues following the death of Zong Qinghou, leading to a three-way balance of power among shareholders [2] - The "Wah Xiaozong" brand will be fully adopted by seven companies under the Hongsheng Group starting in 2026 due to brand compliance issues, indicating a premeditated strategy to establish a new brand [2] Group 2: Inheritance Challenges - Zong Fuli's departure represents the culmination of nearly two decades of succession struggles, highlighting a clash between her Western management approach and the traditional "family culture" left by Zong Qinghou [4] - Her push for digital transformation and the elimination of small distributors faced resistance from long-standing employees and concerns from state-owned shareholders, leading to internal conflicts [4] Group 3: Brand Development and Market Positioning - "Wah Xiaozong" has already shown potential with its first product, a sugar-free oolong tea, targeting health-conscious consumers and avoiding the sugary beverage stigma associated with Wahaha [5] - The new brand benefits from an established supply chain and has achieved a high initial sales rate, indicating strong market entry capabilities [5] Group 4: Industry Implications - The transition from traditional family inheritance to a value-driven approach is exemplified by Zong Fuli's strategy, which retains brand recognition while shedding historical burdens [6] - Wahaha Group now faces transformation challenges under state ownership, while "Wah Xiaozong" represents a new model for private enterprise succession in China [6]