Nongfu Spring shares slide on boycott calls

In awe: People line up to pay their respects outside a production factory of Wahaha following the death of Zong. Zhong says in a statement that despite them filing lawsuits against each other, his respect for Zong’s entrepreneurship has never wavered. — AP

SHANGHAI: Chinese beverage giant Nongfu Spring Co is the latest major brand to come under fire from the mainland’s online army of nationalist citizens, underscoring challenges for domestic firms navigating an increasingly patriotic environment.

Netizens on local platforms are calling for a boycott of Nongfu Spring’s products after the founder of key rival Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co passed away Feb 25, triggering a wave of unfavourable comparisons.