According to information obtained, Citigroup has released a research report stating that, given the limited number of high-quality beverage companies available for global institutional investors to choose from in the Hong Kong market, the bank has initiated coverage on Eastroc Beverage (09980) with a "Buy" rating and a target price of HK$408.8. The bank forecasts that Eastroc Beverage's net profit will increase by 27% and 22% for this year and next, respectively, making it one of the fastest-growing Chinese consumer goods companies covered by the bank. Citigroup holds an optimistic view on Eastroc Beverage's continued strong growth in new product categories, including sports drinks and other beverages, for the current and next year, as well as its expansion into non-Guangdong markets. Furthermore, Eastroc Beverage remains one of the bank's top picks in the Chinese consumer sector for 2026. Citigroup's relative ranking for China's food and beverage industry places Eastroc Beverage, Nongfu Spring (09633), and Uni-President China (00220) at the top, all with "Buy" ratings, while Tingyi (00322) receives a "Sell" rating.