Zong Qinghou, the self-made founder of China's beloved beverage giant Wahaha Group, passed away on Sunday at 79. Known for transforming a small drinks distributor into a $5.9 billion empire, his rags-to-riches story inspired generations. 💼✨
A Late Bloomer’s Journey
Starting at 42, Zong delivered drinks on a tricycle before launching Wahaha's first hit product: a children's health drink. His gamble on bold TV ads in 1990 led to explosive sales, earning 98 million yuan ($13.7M) in a single year. 📺💰
From Tea to Triumph
Wahaha grew into a household name with bottled water, teas, and more. A fierce legal battle with French partner Danone in the 2000s cemented Zong's reputation as a resilient business leader. Despite his wealth, he flew economy class and spent less than 50,000 yuan annually. ✈️💡
Legacy of Frugality & Vision
'Wealth is communal,' Zong once said. His daughter, Zong Fuli, now leads daily operations. A memorial will be held Wednesday in Hangzhou, where his journey began. 🌆🙏
Yang Yiqing of Zhejiang Merchants Museum called him 'a model of Chinese entrepreneurship,' celebrating his impact on the private economy. 📈🇨🇳
