Chapter 519 The Birth of Red Bull

Chapter 519 The Birth of Red Bull

Chapter 519 The Birth of Red Bull

Time quickly came to March.

The cooperation between Watsons and Guo Henian is also progressing in an orderly manner. Both parties are also looking for suitable locations in Malaysia to invest in large farms;

On the other hand, Hong Kong has successfully survived the first wave of the flu. After getting the flu once, the possibility of getting it again in the short term is not high, and Hong Kong society has gradually returned to normal;
In Europe and the United States, the spread of influenza has gradually become more serious. Watsons also obtained the Class I medical device certification from the US FDA during this time. Export orders poured in like snowflakes. It may be because in this era, Americans are still relatively normal and know that the best way to prevent droplet-borne diseases is to wear a mask.

Watsons' medical device business has developed rapidly, and Yang Wendong has also focused his attention here during this period.

"There are now more than 1500 people making masks?" Yang Wendong asked in surprise after seeing the report.

Zhou Haoran replied: “Yes, the demand for orders is too high now. Although masks are mainly made by machines, many pre- and post-processing, inspections, and transportation require people;
I have also urgently recruited a lot of temporary workers with high salaries, about 1000 people, all of whom have come from the north during this period, and I am still expanding the recruitment. "

"Okay." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "There may be some capable people among these people. You can discuss with the group's human resources department and arrange for screening. Those with high literacy levels or some skills should also be fully utilized."

In the past two years, there are still many people coming to Hong Kong, many of them illegally. However, according to the laws of the Hong Kong government, as long as you successfully reach the city center, you can obtain legal status;

Yang Wendong naturally agreed with this kind of thing. If 10,000 out of 100,000 people were literate, it would be a good thing for him. If he wanted his industry to take root in Hong Kong, he urgently needed a large number of educated people, even those who were not very literate. As long as they entered other industries, it would also indirectly solve Hong Kong's future industrial labor shortage problem.

Hong Kong's golden industrial period in the next decade or so will have a lot to do with these people. I plan to develop high-end beverage industry, food industry, furniture, electronics industry, etc. in Hong Kong, and I need these people even more.

"Okay." Zhou Haoran said with a smile.

Yang Wendong asked again: "How is the market for industrial masks?"

Zhou Haoran said: "I have also contacted several distributors in the United States and Europe. As long as we have the goods and the quality is qualified, they will take them. The price is a little higher than before, but the profit is not as good as medical masks."

"It doesn't matter. Stable cooperation is more important." Yang Wendong said, "Otherwise, when the flu is over, we will have no business to do. Considering the long term, we still have to seize this opportunity.
Making tens of millions from medical masks is not as good as having an industry in the long term, which will bring more opportunities in the future.”

With the development of the economy, the demand for masks in industry will become higher and higher. This is a stable evergreen industry. If we have this channel, we may have hope to make other similar industry products in the future.
"Okay, I am also gradually increasing the production capacity of industrial masks." Zhou Haoran replied.

Yang Wendong asked again: "Are there enough raw materials for cotton and non-woven fabrics? Wasn't there a problem before?"

Zhou Haoran replied: "It's enough for now. I negotiated with China Resources and they agreed to increase imports from China. However, because the overall market demand is relatively high now, the price will increase."

Yang Wendong said: "This is normal. Since the market needs it, the price will definitely be higher. It is also short-term, so don't worry about it. Our customers will also cover the cost."

"Yes." Zhou Haoran said with a smile.

Yang Wendong added: "The medical supplies business should take this opportunity to develop, establish connections with overseas distributors, and improve more channels. This is the most important thing. With channels, we can develop other businesses.

In a few years, I may also invest in some overseas medical pharmacies in the form of capital, which will also be beneficial to the development of your business."

"Invest in a drugstore? A chain store?" Zhou Haoran asked.

Yang Wendong nodded and said, "Yes, but it is only a possibility. Whether it will be done or not depends on the future situation."

The global retail industry began to develop in the 1960s and 1970s, but it is not just supermarkets like Walmart. There are also warehouse-style supermarkets like Costco, furniture supermarkets, electrical appliance supermarkets, drug supermarkets, home supermarkets, etc., and even clothing chain stores and food chain stores.

However, he is not very familiar with these fields, so he may invest moderately. But if he is sure that investing in these companies can help the development of his industry in Hong Kong, then there is no need to hesitate.

Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "That's even better."

“That’s how the business will be for now. I hope that Hong Kong can become a large medical supplies production base in the future,” Yang Wendong added.

Although it will eventually move to the mainland, it is good to be able to operate in Hong Kong for 20 years, at least it can help this generation; and if it moves to the mainland in the future, it may be able to help tens of thousands of people in the country.

Zhou Haoran said: "I will work hard in this direction, not only for medical supplies, but also for cosmetics. If this industry develops well, the profits will be very high."

"Zheng Zhijie has already purchased related stores in Singapore. You can cooperate with him. We will first control the market in Singapore and then enter Southeast Asia." Yang Wendong added: "In addition, we must also pay attention to the Middle East and make arrangements in advance, just like Honor Electronics' home appliances."

If a product wants to achieve rapid success, it must have new technology, new markets, or new ideas.

In terms of technology, none of our companies have much of an advantage. Innovation is basically only suitable for small products of Changxing Industry, so the only remaining opportunity is the market;
The Middle East market has always been open, but before the first oil crisis, the entire Middle East was working for the Seven Oil Sisters of Europe and America. The country was poor and the people were poor. Many companies did not take this market seriously. This was an opportunity for many of their products.

Once the oil crisis broke out and the Middle East became wealthy, it was a godsend opportunity as European and American brands could not enter at will because of ZZZQ at that time. Therefore, many of their own industries began to deploy sales terminals, advertising, etc. in the Middle East. There will definitely be losses in the past few years, but there will definitely be high returns in the future.

"Understood. I will discuss with Mr. Wang to enter the Middle East market together." Zhou Haoran added, "The sun is very strong there, so the demand for basic sunscreen cosmetics should be huge."

"It depends on market demand and local conditions." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "You decide for yourselves."

He usually does not get too involved in some detailed operations of subordinate companies, but he will need to know the results.

"Okay." Zhou Haoran said with a smile.

Yang Wendong asked again: "Has the flavor of Red Bull finally been confirmed?"

"It's confirmed. I'll have someone bring the drinks over right away." Zhou Haoran said.

Yang Wendong said: "No, let's go to your laboratory."

A few people took the ferry and came to the beverage laboratory in Shatin. After taking a few sips, Yang Wendong said, "It doesn't taste as good as Coke, but it's not bad."

Zhou Haoran said: "Yes, if it is just a beverage, it is still not as good as Coke. Some of the refreshing ingredients in it are full of flavor, and the sugar taste can't suppress it. But our drinks can't be too sweet. If they are too sweet, they will not taste good."

No drink tastes better the more sugar it has. A moderate amount of sugar is enough, otherwise all drinks would be filled with a lot of sugar.

Yang Wendong asked: "Is this flavor confirmed to be the most popular in the United States?"

Zhou Haoran replied: "Yes, our current test results in many bars show that this flavor is the most popular. The data after customers spend money to buy it is the most accurate."

"Okay, let's use this flavor." Yang Wendong nodded.

The taste is a little different from the previous Red Bull, but that doesn’t matter. As long as it’s not bad to drink, has a refreshing effect, and has enough capital to promote it, that’s enough. This is the core of Red Bull’s success.

"Okay." Zhou Haoran picked up another small can and said, "Mr. Yang, this is our Red Bull can, 200 milliliters in total. Basically, one bottle is the best way to refresh yourself. Drinking more won't make much sense."

Yang Wendong looked at the packaging and had no questions, so he asked, "Has the price been decided?"

Zhou Haoran said: "Our selling price in the United States is temporarily set at 0.5 US dollars per bottle, 6 cans are 2 US dollars, and 24 cans are 6 US dollars. The more you buy, the cheaper it is. Currently, the only packaging is this can."

"0.5 US dollars a bottle, this price is not cheap." Yang Wendong said with a smile.

The median wage in the US at that time was only about $7000 a year, or about $600 a month. A six-pack of Coke was usually $6-0.6. Spending $1 on a 0.5ml bottle of drink was very expensive.
Zhou Haoran said: "Mr. Yang, since it is positioned as high-end, it will not be like Coke, which is sold in the daily market. We don't expect normal people to buy Red Bull regularly. We only need those who are trying to restore their spirit or physical strength to buy it.

As for other beverages, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, it is difficult for us to make achievements in the European and American markets.”

"Yes, we can only go for the high-end market." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "Then follow this plan and launch it on a small scale in Hong Kong and nearby areas, and then gradually enter the European and American markets."

In the past, many domestic beverages were more expensive than Coca-Cola. In fact, they had no choice. One reason was that the cost control was not comparable, and the other was that they could not compete with Coca-Cola at the same price.

This is also the reason why Coca-Cola dominates the global market.

"Okay." Zhou Haoran agreed.

A few days later, a large amount of Red Bull drinks were produced, some of which were directly airlifted to the United States.

After receiving it, Lin Youqiang immediately delivered part of it to the supermarket, and the other part was sent to a truck driver gathering place in New York State according to Yang Wendong's request.

"Everyone, the food here today is on my table." Lin Youqiang said loudly after entering the restaurant.

Many drivers were a little surprised and ignored the thin Chinese man coming in, but after hearing this, everyone immediately applauded and cheered;

One person asked, "Hey, Asian boy, why did you treat us to dinner?"

Lin Youqi took a bottle of drink from his men and said, "Everyone, I am a beverage salesman for this Red Bull company. Now I would not only like to treat you to a meal, but also to our drinks."

"Free drinks?" A fat man weighing about 300 pounds asked back, "You won't poison this drink, will you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, many people at the scene started to make a noise.

Lin Youcheng did not explain. He opened the bottle and took a sip in front of everyone, then said, “Everyone, maybe I am a bad person, but I am not a fool;
Giving you free food and drinks, just to poison you? This is not good for me, right? Do I want to be wanted by the FBI worldwide? You can take these drinks as much as you want, and we can drink them all. "

Many people also thought that there was some truth in it. Lin Youqiang immediately signaled, and several of his men opened a few bottles at random and started drinking. Then they distributed the drinks one by one to the drivers on the scene.

Some drivers looked at the packaging and thought it was okay, so they opened it and took two sips. Then they said, "It tastes okay. Asian boy, what's your purpose in being so nice to us?"

Lin Youqi smiled and said, "Everyone, this is our promotional activity. This drink is not like cola that you can drink at any time. When you are very sleepy, very tired, and want to sleep, you can drink a few sips to refresh yourself and restore your spirit."

"Isn't that the same as coffee?" another driver asked.

Lin Youqi said: "Yes, it has a similar effect to coffee, but can you drink coffee anytime and anywhere? This drink can, even when you are driving at night, you can open it and drink it directly;

You can take it back to your car and try to drink it when you drive at night to feel it;
If it doesn’t work, just treat it as a drink or water. If you think it works, you can buy it next time. I also hope that everyone can recommend it among their respective driver groups.”

Coming here was a direct request from the boss Yang Wendong. Not only here, but at this moment, several famous truck driver gathering places in the eastern United States were promoting Red Bull;

The logic is very simple. American truck drivers often drive at night and are very tired. Drinking Red Bull can relieve fatigue. They are also very rich. If this group can be won over, it may exceed the total demand of the Hong Kong market.

The drivers negotiated for a while, and some agreed: "Okay, if it really helps relieve fatigue, then I will buy some later."

"me too."

Many drivers agreed.

Lin Youqi then smiled and said, "Everyone, we will place Red Bull drinks at service areas on American highways. If you need them in the future, you can buy them directly."

PS: Ask for monthly ticket

(End of this chapter)