A guest post from Jeanne Boden
I wonder at what time exactly the Chinese started to use dairy products. When I first went to China in the beginning of the 1990s they already did. This was my favorite yoghurt (maybe it was the only kind they had at the time!).
Globalization brought Danone to China. Danone set up joint ventures with leading Chinese brands, the biggest of all being Wahaha in which Danone owns 51%. After a good start the relationship went sour and they are now wrapped up in legal debates. Danone accuses Wahaha for trademark infringement because the company produces the same products outside the joint venture. In a country without separation of power, how do you defend yourself as an international company? China is working on it, but it might take a while before the Chinese reality follows the policy of the government. Luckily there is no debate about my favorite Chinese brand in earthenware mugs with paper top. Even if Danone ever leaves it will still be there.
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