BUSINESS

Exclusive: Executives Flee, Workers Strike at Wahaha’s Production Operator

Published: May. 14, 2026 2:42 p.m. GMT+8

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A turmoil is roiling Chinese beverage giant Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. Ltd., marked by the exodus of four key executives from its main production and sales operator and widespread labor disputes over pay cuts and layoffs.

The executive departure involved Ye Yaqiong, director of the president’s office at Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., along with the company’s heads of sales, legal affairs and production management, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

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Four key executives, including Ye Yaqiong, exited Hongsheng Beverage, Wahaha's main operator.
Labor disputes include Hubei strike (75 workers averaged 130 yuan pay), Jilin suicide over severance, pay cuts to zero/negative.
Over 1,000 employees plan arbitration; sales down 20% in first four months.

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Who’s Who

Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. Ltd.: Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. Ltd. faces turmoil under successor Zong Fuli: four key executives left Hongsheng Beverage (sales, legal, production heads, president's office director). Strikes over pay cuts (e.g., Hubei factory avg 130 yuan payout), Jilin suicide over severance, mass layoffs, and 20% sales drop in early 2025.

Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd.: Hongsheng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., Wahaha's main production and sales operator, faces turmoil: four key executives (including Ye Yaqiong) departed; strikes over drastic pay cuts (e.g., 130 yuan avg. for 75 workers); layoffs, zero earnings for some sales staff; employee suicide attempt over severance. Sales fell 20% in early 2025; 1,000+ plan arbitration. (62 words)

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