Chapter 78

Chapter 25: Burning the Boats

Journalists, the uncrowned kings of the world. While they convey various current news to the public, they also shape public opinion. Under the pen of a journalist, you can be a saint today and a sinner tomorrow.

Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou's press conference was a challenge to four major players in two different industries, who were intricately connected. If they did not win the favor of the journalists, it would undoubtedly be a double blow to Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou, who were already at a disadvantage. Therefore, at this press conference, Lin Feng provided all attending journalists with a burger meal from the Qidian fast food restaurant, while Zong Qinghou provided Very Cola.

This press conference not only attracted journalists from Chu City but also many from other regions. To accommodate the out-of-town journalists who rushed over, Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou specially scheduled the press conference for 11:30 AM, just before lunchtime. Many out-of-town journalists had received the news in the middle of the night and rushed over, enduring the long journey and even skipping breakfast. Seeing the carefully prepared meals and drinks, Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou had already won a good first impression.

And all of this cost Lin Feng less than 2000 yuan. In terms of cost-effectiveness, it was absolutely worth it.

Amid the sound of journalists quietly munching and swallowing, the press conference, which would shock both China and the world, officially began.

"First, on behalf of Wahaha Group, I would like to thank all the journalists for attending this joint press conference between Wahaha Group and Qidian Fast Food, a subsidiary of Lin's Catering and Entertainment Co., Ltd.," Zong Qinghou began.

"At this press conference, Mr. Zong and I have two announcements to make. First, starting today, Qidian Fast Food, a subsidiary of Lin's Catering and Entertainment Co., Ltd., has formed a strategic alliance with Wahaha Group. All the beverages sold in my fast food chain will be provided by Wahaha Group, and we will no longer sell any beverages from PepsiCo or Coca-Cola," Lin Feng's words stunned the audience.

Lin Feng was determined. Since Coca-Cola and PepsiCo refused to supply cola to his fast food restaurants, he would simply not sell any of their beverages. He didn't believe that his fast food business would fail without their drinks.

Of course, Lin Feng's decision was extremely risky. Once customers' tastes are formed, it's not easy to change them. However, just as Zong Qinghou's Very Cola promoted the "Very Spirit," facing Xia Qianhe's declaration of war and the pressure from McDonald's and KFC, Lin Feng needed this "Very Spirit."

Success or failure, there was no middle ground!

However, this time, Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou's focus on revitalizing the national economy and developing national brands aligned perfectly with Lin Feng's bold decision.

The journalists inhaled sharply, shocked by Lin Feng's bold, almost "rebellious" move. Globally, no fast food restaurant or any food industry had ever dared to refuse to sell beverages from both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. This was an act of self-destruction.

After a brief silence, the journalists quickly raised their hands to ask questions. This was undoubtedly the most shocking news of the day, possibly the year, or even the century. A fast food chain that had just started, under the pressure of two global fast food giants, dared to challenge two global beverage giants. Was this courage or madness?

"Mr. Lin, do you think this decision is appropriate? Are you being fearless like a young bull because you are only 20 years old? Aren't you afraid that your fast food chain will fail before it even develops by refusing both beverage giants?"

"Mr. Lin, may I boldly ask, do you know the status of PepsiCo and Coca-Cola globally? Is your refusal to sell their beverages just a publicity stunt?"

"Mr. Zong, are you aware of Mr. Lin's decision? Do you think it is too rash and might cause trouble for your Wahaha Group? I've heard that the sales of Very Cola are not good. What confidence do you have to replace PepsiCo and Coca-Cola?"

...

The journalists' questions became increasingly sharp and pointed, putting Lin Feng on the defensive. However, Zong Qinghou, a seasoned veteran, knew how to handle the situation.

"Journalist friends, Mr. Lin's decision is not blind or impulsive. On the contrary, it is a well-thought-out decision," Zong Qinghou said, immediately capturing the attention of the journalists.

"To put it in perspective, you may not know that in 2000, in the carbonated beverage market, Coca-Cola's penetration rate in 20 cities across China was 83.9% and 85%, while PepsiCo's was 65.5% and 67.9%. Their products, such as cola, Sprite, Fanta, 7-Up, and Mirinda, occupy 90% of the domestic market. Carbonated beverages account for 36% of the entire Chinese beverage market. Excluding Taiwanese companies like Master Kong and Uni-President, the market share of domestically owned beverage companies is extremely small."

Zong Qinghou paused, seeing the journalists deep in thought. He smiled, "Therefore, Mr. Lin and I have decided to join forces to develop national brands and resist the aggressive invasion of foreign brands, to fight for some dignity and status for the domestic beverage industry and the fast food industry." Zong Qinghou subtly elevated their partnership to a matter of national pride.

Lin Feng was deeply impressed by Zong Qinghou's rhetorical skills. Although the journalists saw through the subtleties, Zong Qinghou's words were not wrong. Wahaha Group had indeed brought pride to the domestic beverage industry in recent years.

Amid the applause and cheers of the journalists, Lin Feng and Zong Qinghou exchanged a smile.

"Journalist friends, in addition to cola, our cooperation with Mr. Lin will also provide various fruit juices and tea drinks to meet the needs of customers at Mr. Lin's fast food restaurants," Zong Qinghou used this opportunity to announce Wahaha Group's entry into the tea and fruit juice markets.

The journalists quickly finished their burgers and hurriedly recorded all the details. This press conference was truly shocking.

"Ha ha, journalist friends, perhaps you have doubts about the quality of Very Cola due to its sales. Today, Mr. Zong and I have prepared three cups of cola for you: Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Very Cola. We hope you will taste them and see if you can tell the difference," Lin Feng smiled and had three cups of cola brought out.

For regular cola drinkers, there were indeed subtle differences in taste. However, after adding ice, no journalist could distinguish the differences on the spot.

Some journalists who were loyal to Pepsi or Coca-Cola tried repeatedly but could only shake their heads. The taste of the three colas, when mixed with a large amount of ice, could only be distinguished by a taste analyzer. Of course, there are people with "absolute taste" who can distinguish them, but such individuals are extremely rare, with only one in millions.

The press conference continued, and Lin Feng dropped another "bomb."

Since McDonald's and KFC were not treating him well, he would not let them off easily either! — Lin Feng now held 5% of Tencent's shares and owned the growing DingDang.com. As long as he developed steadily, he could become a billionaire. Why should he put up with these people's arrogance?

If you want to mess with me, go ahead! But you will pay a price, and you will regret it. — Lin Feng silently vowed.

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