According to an official announcement from Wahaha, Mr. Zong Qinghou, the founder and chairman of Wahaha Group, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on February 25, 2024, due to illness, at the age of 79.
The funeral committee of Mr. Zong Qinghou, held by Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co., Ltd., is scheduled to hold a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. on February 28, 2024, at the Xiaoshan Base of Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co., Ltd. (Intersection of Street 10 and Street 5, Baiyang Street, Qiantang District, Hangzhou).
Funeral Committee of Mr. Zong Qinghou February 25, 2024
Public records show that Mr. Zong Qinghou (December 1945 - February 25, 2024) was a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. He was a Chinese entrepreneur, the founder and chairman of Wahaha Group, the chairman of Zhejiang Beverage Industry Association, and the chairman of Zhejiang Wahaha Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. He was recognized as one of the top 100 outstanding private entrepreneurs in the 40 years of reform and opening up and served as a deputy to the National People's Congress in the 10th, 11th, and 12th sessions.
In 1991, Mr. Zong Qinghou established Wahaha Food Group Company. In 2007, Wahaha faced a forced acquisition by Danone, leading to Mr. Zong Qinghou's resignation, which triggered protests from employees. Ultimately, the trademark was awarded to Wahaha after final court rulings. In 2010, Mr. Zong Qinghou topped the Hurun Global Rich List for the first time among mainland Chinese.
