Wahaha Terminates Contract Manufacturing Partnership with Jinmailang Over Quality Concerns
The recent announcement by Wahaha, a well-known Chinese beverage brand, to terminate its contract manufacturing partnership with Jinmailang has sparked widespread discussion and scrutiny among consumers. The decision was made after Wahaha discovered that some batches of its purified water products, manufactured by Jinmailang, failed to pass factory sampling tests. As a result, Wahaha has decided to end its cooperation with Jinmailang, effective April 2025.

15 May 2025
Most netizens believe that Wahaha's decision is reasonable and necessary to ensure the quality of its products. However, a minority of netizens think that Wahaha is trying to shift the blame and responsibility for the quality issues. Some consumers have expressed concerns about the difference in quality between Wahaha's self-produced products and those manufactured by Jinmailang, given the price difference between the two brands. Wahaha has assured consumers that all its products currently on the market meet national quality standards and the company's own quality management standards.
The company has stated that it will adhere to its self-production model and implement stricter quality control measures to safeguard consumer rights and provide higher-quality and safer products. This incident has once again put Wahaha under the spotlight, following a series of controversies, including a trademark transfer dispute with its subsidiary company. As a leading beverage brand in China, Wahaha faces intense competition in the market, particularly in the packaged drinking water segment.

Wahaha's announcement sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the termination of its partnership with Jinmailang for contract manufacturing. The company's justification, citing production capacity constraints as the reason for initially outsourcing production, followed by the discovery of quality issues during an internal audit, suggests a robust stance on product quality. This move not only underscores Wahaha's commitment to maintaining high standards but also opens up a broader discussion on the implications and reliability of the outsourcing model in the industry.

The decision to end the cooperative agreement based on quality concerns demonstrates Wahaha's prioritization of its brand reputation and consumer trust. However, it also raises questions about the oversight and quality control measures in place for contract manufacturing partnerships. The fact that quality issues were identified during an internal audit implies that Wahaha has a rigorous inspection process, but it also highlights the potential risks associated with relying on third-party manufacturers.

The news of Wahaha's decision has sparked a heated debate among netizens, with many expressing understanding and support for Wahaha's move, while others have questioned whether Wahaha's statement is an attempt to shift the blame onto Jinmailang. The debate has highlighted the complexities of contract manufacturing relationships and the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring product quality.
This incident has sparked widespread reflection on food safety and quality control, highlighting the responsibility of enterprises in ensuring the quality of their products. Regardless of the circumstances, Wahaha, as a well-known brand, has always been under close scrutiny and supervision for its product quality and corporate social responsibility. As consumers, while supporting companies in their pursuit of high-quality products, it is also essential to remain vigilant and rational, taking concrete steps to protect their own rights and interests.
The termination of the contract between Wahaha and Jinmailang serves as a reminder that consumers must be proactive in demanding high standards from the companies they trust with their health and well-being. Moreover, it underscores the need for continued transparency and accountability in the food industry, where the stakes are high and the consequences of negligence can be severe. Ultimately, this incident should prompt a broader discussion about the importance of rigorous quality control measures and the role of consumers in driving positive change in the industry.