Beverage companies thirsty for expansion

Chi Forest, one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the country, has started construction on its seventh wholly owned production facility, a move aimed at bolstering its supply chain nationwide and boosting delivery to central and western regions of the country.

The plant, based in Xuchang, Henan province, was launched with an agreement signed on Wednesday. Covering 223 mu (14.9 hectares), the project represents a total investment of over 1 billion yuan ($147.5 million).

The facility is expected to enhance the company's logistics response in Henan and neighboring regions, expand the logistics radius to within 300 kilometers, and reduce the reliance on deliveries from production units in other regions, Chi Forest said.