The Troubled Fate of Zhong Shanshan and Nongfu Spring

The Troubled Fate of Zhong Shanshan and Nongfu Spring
Nongfu Spring mineral water is seen at a supermarket in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, Feb 2, 2023. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Cathy Yin-Garton
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Not every Chinese knows the name Zhong Shanshan, but they all know his Nongfu Spring brand. This hugely successful bottled water has remained at the top of the Chinese market for eight consecutive years, quenching the thirst of millions. The brand’s most popular slogans include: “Nongfu Spring tastes a bit sweet,” and “We don’t produce water, we are just the porters of nature.”