Zong Fuli Replaces Head at Hongsheng Amid Internal Upheaval
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Hongsheng Group is Wahaha’s core operating entity.
Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., Wahaha’s core operating entity controlled by Zong Fuli, has appointed Zheng Qundi as its new legal representative and general manager, replacing Zhu Lidan amid a wave of internal shake-up and escalating tensions over the use of the “Wahaha” trademark.
Public registration records confirmed Zheng’s appointment on Wednesday. Zheng currently serves as director of Hongsheng’s central office and previously led KELLYONE, a beverage brand created by Zong and named after her English name.
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- Hongsheng Beverage Group, Wahaha’s key operating arm, appointed Zheng Qundi as general manager amid executive shake-ups and tensions with departing leader Zhu Lidan.
- Wahaha’s “Wahaha” trademark transfer attempt by Zong Fuli was blocked by state shareholders, deepening internal conflicts; Zong resigned from all Wahaha Group roles in September.
- The lack of a formal trademark license and internal turmoil has created operational uncertainty for Hongsheng and the Wahaha brand’s future.
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Who’s Who
- Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd.
- Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd. is Wahaha's core operating entity, controlled by Zong Fuli. It plays a significant role in the production and sales of Wahaha-branded products. The company recently appointed Zheng Qundi as its new legal representative and general manager, replacing Zhu Lidan amidst internal restructuring and escalating tensions over the "Wahaha" trademark.
- Wahaha
- Wahaha is a beverage brand whose trademark is owned by Wahaha Group Co. Ltd. The Group is jointly held by Zong Fuli, the Hangzhou State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and a workers’ shareholding committee. Wahaha-branded products are managed by Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., another entity controlled by Zong Fuli. There are ongoing disputes regarding the Wahaha trademark, with its future use remaining uncertain.
- Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. Ltd.
- Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. Ltd. is the owner of the "Wahaha" trademark, jointly held by Zong Fuli, the Hangzhou State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and a workers’ shareholding committee. It is the company that Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd. uses to produce and sell Wahaha-branded products.
- KELLYONE
- KELLYONE is a beverage brand established by Zong Fuli, named after her English name. Zheng Qundi, who now serves as the new legal representative and general manager of Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., previously led KELLYONE. Zheng also holds senior roles in other companies linked to Zong, including a food and beverage company registered under the KELLYONE brand.
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What Happened When
- 2010：
- Zhu Lidan began holding several leadership posts across Hongsheng and Wahaha facilities.
- 2013：
- Zhu Lidan was demoted and reassigned by Zong Qinghou to manage a Wahaha plant, briefly serving as general manager before her removal.
- February 2025：
- Wahaha Group attempted to transfer the 'Wahaha' trademark to a Zong-controlled company, sparking opposition from the state shareholder and ultimately halting the deal.
- September 2025：
- Zhu Lidan was summoned twice by authorities and her position at Hongsheng marked as 'pending.'
- September 2025：
- Zong Fuli resigned from all her positions at Wahaha Group.
- Late September 2025：
- Production center director Yan Xuefeng was placed under investigation, and several factory staff were reportedly detained in recent weeks.
- October 2025：
- Wahaha Group confirmed Zong Fuli's resignation.
- Mid-October 2025：
- Hongsheng reportedly ordered affiliates to reduce purchases of Wahaha-branded materials before reversing the decision three days later in October 2025.
- Late October 2025：
- Zhu Lidan resigned as legal representative of Hongsheng Beverage Group.
- Late October 2025：
- Hongsheng asked distributors to submit deposits by the end of October 2025 to renew supply contracts.
- November 5, 2025：
- Zheng Qundi was appointed the new legal representative and general manager of Hongsheng Beverage Group, replacing Zhu Lidan.
- As of early November 2025：
- No formal trademark licensing agreement has been signed between Wahaha Group and Hongsheng.
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