The 11 Most Valuable Brands in China That You Probably Never Buy

Pantry staples like milk, bread, water and condiments make up the bulk of Hurun’s ‘most valuable food and beverage brands’ of 2020. Hurun Report, a Shanghai-headquartered firm that provides research and consulting services, released their report on January 21. 

Here are some more stats: seven of the 11 are private brands and the top spot winner (scroll down to see who) replaced Yili as the most valuable brand in the F&B industry this year, its brand value rising 95% from last year to RMB120 billion.

11. Wanglaoji

Brand Value: RMB8 billion

Image via 东方IC

Chinese herbal tea has made it to the mainstream thanks to Wanglaoji. Wanglaoji’s history can be traced back to 1828 in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The drink was founded by a doctor named Wong Chat Bong. Wanglaoji is made of seven herbs, contains no caffeine, and can supposedly help clear excessive heat and detoxify while quenching thirst. Perfect to pair with spicy hot pot. 

10. Taoli Bread

Brand Value: RMB8.5 billion 

Image via Taoli 

Taoli Bread was started in 1997 and mainly produces prepackaged bread, pastries and moon cakes. Unlike trendy high-end bakeries, the company has kept its products in its portfolio to under 30 and uses a central factory and wholesale model. When consumers are asked about the brand, they say it’s like a “taste of their hometown, a memory from their childhood.” 

9. Teway Food

Brand Value: RMB9 billion

Image via Teway Food

We all need a little spice in our lives and Teway Food delivers with their hot pot bases, chili sauces and other mouth-numbing products. The company was founded in 2007 in, you guessed it, Sichuan.

8. Dali

Brand value: RMB11.5 billion

Image via Qimao

Dali has a vast portfolio consisting of pies, wafers, chips, biscuits and beverages. 

7. Wahaha

Brand value: RMB14.5 billion

Image via Wahaha

Wahaha is the largest food and beverage manufacturer in the Chinese mainland and the fifth largest beverage manufacturer in the world.

6. Mengniu

Brand value: RMB18 billion

Image via China Daily

Headquartered in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, this company manufactures dairy products and ice cream. 

5. WH Group

Brand value: RMB28.5 billion

Image via Wikimedia

Ever see those creepy little sausages in the supermarket? WH Group probably produces them as they are the largest meat producer in China and the world.

4. Yili

Brand value: RMB40.5 billion

Image via Caixin

Also located in Hohhot, Yili is the competitor of Mengniu (the other large dairy company in the number 6 spot). 

3. China Feihe

Brand value: RMB43 billion

Image via Yicai Global

This is China’s most recognizable infant formula producer. Their products are meant to mimic Chinese mother’s milk in particular according to their ‘About Us’ page on their website. As for the company behind the 2008 infant formula scandal, Sanlu Group has since gone bankrupt. 

2. Nongfu Spring

Brand value: RMB71 billion

Image via SCMP

You probably encounter Nongfu Spring on the daily in all types of stores. The CEO of the Hangzhou-headquartered brand, Zhong Shanshan is the richest person in China as of March 2021, with an estimated net worth of RMB550 billion (USD85 billion).

1. Haitian Flavoring

Brand value: RMB120 billion

Image via Sina

Soy sauce – a staple in all Chinese pantries and kitchens. Haitian Flavoring, a Foshan-based company, is the largest soy sauce maker in the world.

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[Cover image via Sohu]