Wahaha Responds to Cutting Dealers with Sales Below ¥3 Million: Normal Dynamic Optimization

CNBC AI News, August 11th – Wahaha, the iconic Chinese beverage giant, is reportedly undergoing a strategic overhaul under the leadership of its chairman and general manager, Zong Fuli. Recent media reports in *Caijing* suggested a potential cull of distributors with annual sales below 3 million yuan – a move described as an “iron fist” approach.

Wahaha Group has since released a statement clarifying its position. The company affirmed that, contrary to reports suggesting a widespread removal of smaller distributors, the number of new distributors added this year significantly exceeds those whose contracts were not renewed. Wahaha emphasizes that these shifts within its distribution network are part of a normal, dynamic optimization process driven by evolving market strategies and mutual agreement, rather than a targeted action against a specific size of client.

Zong Fuli, born January 17, 1982, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is the daughter of Wahaha’s founder, Zong Qinghou. She holds a degree from Pepperdine University in the United States.

Earlier this year, in May, Zhejiang Wahaha Industrial Co., Ltd. underwent significant corporate changes. Zong Qinghou stepped down as legal representative, chairman, and general manager, with Zong Fuli assuming all three roles. A number of other key personnel changes were also implemented.

In July, a legal dispute involving Zong Fuli in Hong Kong, stemming from a claim by alleged half-siblings, garnered considerable online attention and added another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the company.

The ensuing public discourse has reportedly sparked concerns among Wahaha distributors. One anonymous distributor expressed trepidation about their future, stating that the internal family dispute could negatively impact product sales and overall market confidence in the brand. “As a distributor, will I still be able to make it this year?” the distributor questioned.