Wahaha Heiress Rolls Out New Brand "Wa Xiao Zong" as Family Feud Continues

While litigation over these trust claims is still ongoing, Zong Fuli’s move to introduce a new brand has captured significant public attention, raising questions about the implications for the iconic Wahaha name and the wider Chinese beverage market.

Two Wahaha Subsidiaries File for Simplified Dissolution

Wahaha Heiress, Mother and Uncle Sued in Shareholder-Creditor Dispute

Despite its modest scale—managing less than 500 million yuan ($69 million)—Wahaha Venture Capital has invested as a limited partner in funds managed by Hillhouse Capital, FC Capital, and a fund jointly launched by China Pharma and CICC, among others.

Wahaha Heiress Zong Fuli to Invest $138 Million in New Xi’an Beverage Base

Wahaha Heiress Zong Fuli Served on Board of Chip Startup Prior to Dissolution

Zong Qinghou’s Will Casts Long Shadow as Hong Kong Court Affirms Key Facts in Wahaha Inheritance Dispute

At the heart of the legal battle is a fundamental distinction between “principal” and “interest.” Zong Qinghou’s handwritten instructions explicitly stipulated that the US$2.1 billion in trust principal was to remain untouched, with only the investment interest income distributed to the beneficiaries.

Wahaha CEO Prohibited From Withdrawing Money From a $1.8 Billion HSBC Account

The controversy has also raised questions about corporate governance and the loss of state-owned assets in one of China’s most iconic beverage companies.

Hong Kong Court Freezes US$1.8 Billion HSBC Account Amid Wahaha Family Inheritance Dispute

The court noted there are "serious issues to be tried" regarding the alleged breach. Kelly Zong, long believed to be Zong Qinghou’s only child, assumed control of the beverage empire after his death in February 2024.

Zong Family Trust Ruling Reveals Zong Qinghou Set Up $2.1 Billion Offshore Trusts for His Children

The initial plan involved managing the trusts through a Private Trust Company (PTC), during which Kelly Zong served as shareholder. Upon transition to professional trustees, she relinquished all control and responsibility, handing over management to the three siblings.

Wahaha Heiress Kelly Zong Faces Legal Challenges from Alleged Half-Siblings in Cross-Border Inheritance Dispute

Kelly Zong's legal team has denied receiving any instructions from her father regarding such a trust and has questioned the authenticity of the plaintiffs' evidence. The Wahaha Group has issued a statement saying the family’s legal matters will not impact normal business operations.