Zhong Shanshan, founder and chairman of Nongfu Spring, appeared on a live broadcast program on CCTV Finance on August 8. During the broadcast, he discussed the widespread use of e-commerce platforms in daily life. Zhong described platforms as a unique type of intermediary, stating, "This intermediary is everywhere and has already wiped out many urban retailers."

He argued that many city stores rely on impulse-based purchasing, but this form of consumption is now being eliminated. "It lures young people to stare at phone screens. Where is their creativity and sensory experience?" he asked. Consequently, Zhong stressed that the capabilities of these platforms must be restricted.

When asked about competition in the tea beverage market and whether he fears Nongfu Spring could be phased out, Zhong noted that this is a challenge that has recurred countless times over the years. He asserted that after multiple rounds of market shifts, the ultimate determinant is the quality of the brand itself. "The quality of tea is very easy to discern; the taste buds never lie," he said. Additionally, he believes that Chinese tea culture needs a new paradigm, such as "turning it into a beverage like ours."