Zong Qinghou, the founder of China’s leading beverage company, the Hangzhou Wahaha Group, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79, according to an announcement by the company.
Born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in December 1945, Zong was a self-made entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings to become one of China’s most influential business figures. He founded Wahaha in 1987, starting with a modest drinks distributor where he personally delivered products to schools on a tricycle. This hands-on approach and dedication laid the foundation for what would become China’s largest beverage empire.
In 1990, Zong took a bold step by investing in costly television commercials for Wahaha’s first healthy drink for children, despite limited funds. The gamble paid off as the product became immensely popular, generating sales of 98 million yuan ($13.7 million) and propelling the company to national prominence. Over the next three decades, Wahaha expanded its product lines to include tea beverages, bottled water, and more, solidifying its position in the market.
Throughout his career, Zong was known not only for his business acumen but also for his frugality and humility. Media reports highlighted his preference for economy class travel and modest personal expenses, traits that resonated with many in China. In 2010, Forbes listed him as the richest person in China, yet he remained committed to contributing to society. “Wealth, to me, is fundamentally communal – a mere figure reflecting life’s value,” Zong once remarked.
Zong also led Wahaha through significant challenges, including a high-profile legal battle with French multinational Danone in the late 2000s. The dispute drew international attention, but Wahaha emerged victorious, reinforcing its dominance in the Chinese market.
Yang Yiqing, curator of the Zhejiang Merchants Museum, praised Zong as “a model of Chinese civilian entrepreneurship” who exemplified the strength of China’s private economy through his pragmatic spirit and hard-working style.
A memorial service for Zong will be held on Wednesday at Wahaha’s headquarters in Hangzhou. In December 2021, his daughter, Zong Fuli, was appointed vice chairman and general manager of Wahaha, taking over daily operations of the company.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
