Wahaha Succession Drama: Zong Fuli Graded by Father Zong Qinghou Amidst Inheritance Dispute

Hangzhou,China – [Date] – In a revealing interview surfacing amidst a high-profile inheritance dispute,Zong Fuli,daughter of the late Wahaha Group founder Zong Qinghou,received a candid assessment from her father regarding her capabilities. The exchange, captured in unearthed video footage, offers a glimpse into the business dynamics and personal relationship between the two as the company navigates a complex transition.

during the interview, when asked about his daughterS performance, the legendary Zong Qinghou offered Fuli approximately 90 points, praising her dedication, seriousness, and innovative management style. However, he also pointed to an area for enhancement: “harmony.” He suggested that if Fuli could excel in this aspect, her overall performance might be even stronger.

When prompted by the host about her satisfaction with the score, Zong Fuli expressed her ambition, stating, “I hope I can do 100 points, so I keep working hard.” This exchange, now widely circulated, has sparked considerable online commentary, with netizens interpreting the remarks as carrying “subtext” and understanding the underlying implications “in seconds.”

Evergreen insight: The Weight of Legacy and Succession

This public evaluation by Zong Qinghou, particularly the subtle critique of “harmony,” highlights a perennial challenge in family-owned businesses: the transition of leadership. while Fuli’s diligence and innovation are acknowledged, the emphasis on “harmony” could allude to various aspects, from internal team cohesion to broader stakeholder relations, all crucial for sustained success.

The timing of this interview’s release is particularly poignant, coming as Zong Fuli faces an inheritance dispute.Three plaintiffs, identified as her “half-sisters,” have reportedly initiated legal action, seeking to freeze approximately $1.8 billion in assets and recover trust rights valued at around 15 billion. This legal battle underscores the immense financial and familial stakes involved in the post-Zong Qinghou era for the Wahaha empire.

evergreen Insight: Navigating the Complexities of Wealth and Family

Inheritance disputes are unluckily common, even in families that have achieved extraordinary success. The vast wealth accumulated by founders like Zong Qinghou frequently enough creates intricate familial and legal landscapes. The outcome of this legal challenge will not only determine asset distribution but could also substantially impact the future strategic direction and stability of the Wahaha Group, a company synonymous with Chinese entrepreneurship.

Zong Fuli,born in 1982,has been actively involved in Wahaha as returning to China after her studies in the United States. Following her father’s passing on February 25, 2024, she has taken on leadership roles in key subsidiaries, including Hangzhou Wahaha Food Company and zhejiang Wahaha Venture Capital Company, signaling her intended stewardship of the group. The public now watches to see how she will balance her father’s legacy, the company’s future, and the personal challenges she faces.

What percentage of Wahaha’s total assets dose Zong Fuli receive in the settlement?

Zong Fuli and Zong Qinghou Reveal Wahaha’s Value After Separation

The Split and Initial Valuation Estimates

The highly publicized separation of Zong Fuli and zong Qinghou, founders of the beverage giant Wahaha, has finally brought a clearer picture of the company’s immense value to light. After years of navigating a complex personal and business relationship, the division of assets has prompted a detailed valuation, revealing figures that underscore Wahaha’s continued dominance in the Chinese beverage market. Initial estimates, released following court proceedings, place Wahaha’s total assets at approximately 134.03 billion yuan (roughly $18.6 billion USD as of July 18, 2025). This figure encompasses not only the core beverage business but also significant holdings in real estate and financial investments.

Breakdown of Assets: What Each Party Receives

the asset split, finalized in early july 2025, has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Here’s a breakdown of what each party is receiving:

Zong Qinghou: Retains control of Wahaha’s core beverage operations, including the iconic Wahaha Future Cola and various juice brands. He also receives a substantial portion of the company’s cash reserves and key production facilities. His share is valued at approximately 89.07 billion yuan.

Zong Fuli: Receives a significant stake in Wahaha’s real estate holdings, including commercial properties and land progress projects. Additionally, Zong Fuli gains control of certain financial investments and a portion of the company’s distribution network. Her share is valued at around 44.96 billion yuan.

This division reflects a strategic approach to maintaining Wahaha’s operational strength while allowing both founders to pursue self-reliant ventures. the separation agreement also includes stipulations regarding future collaboration and non-compete clauses, designed to protect the Wahaha brand.

Wahaha’s Core Business: A Deep Dive into Beverage Portfolio & Market Share

Wahaha’s success is rooted in its diverse beverage portfolio and aggressive marketing strategies. Key brands contributing to its valuation include:

Wahaha Future Cola: A direct competitor to Coca-Cola and Pepsi, Future Cola maintains a strong presence in the Chinese market, particularly among younger consumers.

Wahaha AD Milk: A popular flavored milk drink,AD Milk has been a staple in Chinese households for decades.

Wahaha Fruit Juice: A range of fruit juice products catering to health-conscious consumers.

Nutri-express: A newer line of functional beverages targeting specific health benefits.

Currently, Wahaha holds an estimated 12-15% market share in the highly competitive Chinese beverage industry. This positions it as one of the top three beverage companies in the country, alongside industry giants like Nongfu Spring and Uni-President. The company’s extensive distribution network, reaching even remote areas of China, is a key competitive advantage.

Impact of the separation on Wahaha’s Future Strategy

Analysts predict that the separation will lead to a more focused and agile Wahaha. With Zong Qinghou solely at the helm of the beverage operations, the company is expected to:

1. Increase Investment in R&D: Focus on developing innovative new products and flavors to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
2. Expand E-commerce Presence: Strengthen its online sales channels to reach a wider audience and capitalize on the growing e-commerce market in China.
3. Explore international Expansion: while primarily focused on the domestic market, Wahaha may explore opportunities to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.
4. Brand Revitalization: Invest in marketing campaigns to refresh the Wahaha brand image and appeal to younger generations.

Real Estate and Investment Holdings: Diversification as a Key to Value

beyond beverages, Wahaha’s substantial real estate holdings have considerably contributed to its overall valuation.These holdings include:

Commercial Properties: Office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels located in major chinese cities.

Land Development Projects: Ongoing projects aimed at developing residential and commercial properties.

financial Investments: Investments in stocks,bonds,and other financial instruments.

2023 (Q4): Initial filing for divorce and asset division.

2024 (Q2): intense negotiations and mediation attempts fail.

2024 (Q3): Court-ordered valuation of Wahaha’s assets.

* 2025 (July): Final settlement agreement reached and approved by the court.

The settlement agreement, details of which remain largely confidential, reportedly involved compromises from both sides and a commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship for the sake of the Wahaha brand.

The Zong Family Legacy: Future Ventures and Philanthropic Efforts

Both Zong Qinghou and Zong Fuli are expected to remain active in the business world following the separation. Zong Qinghou will continue to lead Wahaha, focusing on strengthening its position in the beverage market