Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 102 FDA Permit (Seeking monthly votes and recommendations to continue reading)

After entrusting Luo Wei's legal troubles entirely to Gu Yongxian, Chen Bingwen no longer had any other concerns.

All the verbal battles in legal documents and the war of words in the media are nothing more than annoying but insignificant background noise in the face of his grand plan to build a global food and beverage empire.

His attention was now entirely focused on Professor Zhou Zhiyuan's research and development center.

The development of Jinba concentrated powder is reaching a decisive moment.

In the sterile laboratory of the R&D center, Professor Zhou Zhiyuan, wearing white gloves, carefully poured out a small amount of fine, uniform light blue powder from a sealed aluminum foil bag.

The powder shimmered faintly under the light, emitting a subtle minty fragrance and a barely perceptible hint of citric acid.

"Mr. Chen, everyone," Zhou Zhiyuan's voice trembled slightly, barely perceptible, with barely suppressed excitement, "This is the 'Jinba' functional beverage powder, 'Jinba Instant Concentrated Powder,' which our team has finally finalized after two weeks of working day and night!"

Chen Bingwen, Ling Peiyi, Gao Zhenhai, Zhong Qiang, and the core members of the R&D team held their breath and focused intently.

All eyes were focused on that clump of powder.

Zhou Zhiyuan picked up a clean glass, poured in room temperature purified water, and then slowly poured the pinch of light blue powder into the water.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the powder dissolved instantly in water.

There was no clumping or sedimentation; it disappeared instantly, like snowflakes melting into warm water!

The clear water was quickly dyed into the same ice-blue color as the bottled "Jinba" liquor!

The whole process took less than ten seconds!
Zhou Zhiyuan picked up a glass rod and stirred it gently twice to make sure it was completely dissolved, then handed the cup to Chen Bingwen.

"Mr. Chen, please have a taste."

Chen Bingwen took the cup, and without hesitation, tilted his head back and took a big gulp.

Cold!

That familiar, instantly refreshing minty sensation that penetrates the oral mucosa went straight to the top of my head!
Refreshing!

The perfect balance of sweet and sour bursts on the tongue, with the slight tartness of lime intertwining with the fruity aroma, bringing a strong sense of refreshment!
Refreshing!

The carefully reconstructed energizing effect, derived from taurine and caffeine, followed immediately, dispelling all fatigue and confusion!

The taste, flavor, and efficacy are almost identical to the bottled "Jinba" produced at the Shatin plant!
"Great!" Chen Bingwen put down his cup and couldn't help but praise, "The taste, flavor, and energizing effect are perfectly replicated!"

The dissolving speed is astonishing! Professor Zhou, you're amazing!

“Success!

"It's a real success!" Ling Peiyi also took a bite and was overjoyed. "The taste and the feeling are exactly the same as the bottled one!"
And it dissolves so quickly!

Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang also tasted it, their faces showing expressions of disbelief and shock.

"This is amazing!" Gao Zhenhai clicked his tongue. "It dissolves in cold water and tastes so authentic! If this were shipped to the US or Europe, we could save so much on shipping costs!"

"Professor Zhou, how did you achieve this solubility and flavor retention? It's simply incredible!"

Chen Bingwen was more concerned with the technical details than the transportation costs.

Zhou Zhiyuan's face was full of joy as he explained with a smile, "The core lies in the 'microcapsule encapsulation technology' and the 'particle optimization process'."

Simply put, it involves wrapping key ingredients that are volatile or have an unpleasant taste, such as menthol, in a very thin, water-soluble special material, like putting a transparent 'protective coat' on them.

This 'protective layer' is very stable in a dry state, locking in flavor and preventing volatilization.

Once it comes into contact with water, it can dissolve quickly, instantly releasing the beneficial components inside.

At the same time, by precisely controlling the size and shape of the powder particles, we ensure that they can quickly and evenly disperse and dissolve in water without clumping together.

This ensures perfect preservation of flavor and efficacy while also achieving rapid dissolution in cold water, making it convenient and quick!

His explanation was simple and easy to understand, so even though Ling Peiyi, Gao Zhenhai, and Zhong Qiang were not professionals, they could understand the gist of it.

"Great! That's wonderful!" Chen Bingwen put down his cup and said happily, "Professor Zhou, you and your team have made a great contribution!"

The successful development of Jinba instant concentrated powder not only solved the problems of long-distance transportation and cost control, but also meant that "Jinba" truly has the ability to deploy rapidly around the world!

Moreover, with the research and development experience and technical accumulation of Jinba instant concentrated powder, the paper cup instant milk tea that he had been planning for a long time could finally be put on the agenda!

However, there are some things he needs to arrange first.

"Ah Hai, Brother Qiang! Within the factory area of ​​Fuyuan Soda Factory, isolate a separate, enclosed area for me."

Specifically designed for the production of 'Jinba Instant Concentrated Powder'.

The Fuyuan factory has enough space, so we built a wall to separate the area, away from the existing soda line, and installed a separate access control system!
Guaranteed independence and confidentiality!

Although the basic processes for concentrating powder, such as spray drying and vacuum concentration, were already publicly available technologies at this point.

However, the formula and sustained-release technology of Jinba remain core trade secrets and competitive barriers that need to be strictly guarded.

If the formula and process are not kept secret, once the formula is leaked, competitors can replicate the product in just a few months.

Upon hearing Chen Bingwen's words, Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang instantly realized the value of Jinba Instant Concentrated Powder and understood the weight of Chen Bingwen's words.

"Guarantee independence and confidentiality!"

The two made the promise in unison.

“Very good.” Chen Bingwen nodded, then turned his gaze to Zhou Zhiyuan. “Professor Zhou, thank you for your hard work in implementing the technology and training the personnel.”

The most core and reliable members were selected to form a technology transfer team and stationed at the Fuyuan factory.

We will strive to set up the first production line for Jinba instant concentrated powder as soon as possible and complete the first batch of trial production.

“No problem, Mr. Chen!” Zhou Zhiyuan immediately agreed.

Chen Bingwen then looked at Ling Peiyi: "Director Ling, you should keep up with the progress on your end."

All employees entering the powder production area, including those in technical and production roles, must sign new confidentiality agreements with clear and strict penalty clauses for breach of contract.

Meanwhile, closed-circuit television was installed in the R&D center and the production area of ​​Jinba instant concentrated powder, with no blind spots in key operating areas, and the recordings were kept for at least one month!

"I will have Vincent Fang purchase all the core raw materials for the concentrate powder through Sugar Heart Capital, with the funds ultimately going to the Fuyuan factory, thus cutting off any possibility of external traceability."

As a significant profit driver for Chen Ji, Jinba instant concentrated powder had, in Chen Bingwen's mind, transcended the scope of a single product.

It is Chenji Foods' "nuclear weapon" for leveraging the global beverage market and achieving a strategic leap!
He picked up the small packet of light blue powder sample from the table and said to everyone present:
"Everyone, do you know what this packet of powder means to Chen's Kitchen?"

He looked around at everyone, his gaze sweeping over the faces of Zhou Zhiyuan, Ling Peiyi, Gao Zhenhai, and Zhong Qiang one by one.

"It means that we have finally broken the curse of heavy assets and high logistics costs in the beverage industry!"

"Think about it, how much did it cost to ship bottled beverages to North America and Europe in the past?"
The weight and volume of glass or PET bottles, the high cost of cold chain transportation, and the risk of damage during transportation!
The shipping cost for a bottle of beverage from Hong Kong Island to New York might be more expensive than the liquid itself!

“But now, with this!” Chen Bingwen held up the sample bag in his hand, “all we need to do is transport this bag of powder over!”

The volume has been reduced tenfold!
The weight has been reduced by dozens of times!
No more cold chain needed!
No more worries about broken bottles!

Transportation costs have plummeted!
Demand for storage space has plummeted!
We can even use air freight to save a lot of time.

More importantly, it has completely changed our global supply chain model!

We no longer need to build a vast network of bottling plants around the world like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, investing astronomical sums of money and manpower!
All we need to do is produce the core Jinba instant concentrated powder on Hong Kong Island!
Then, we ship it to North America, Europe, Japan, and other destinations. Once there, all we need to do is find an existing factory with bottling capabilities. This could be a Coca-Cola bottling plant, a Suntory beverage line, or even a qualified medium-sized local beverage factory!

Pour our powder into the mixing jar, add water and stir, then season, bottle and seal!
A fresh bottle of Jinba can be produced locally and sold directly in the local market!

Those present were all core management members of Chen's company, and Chen Bingwen wanted to clearly explain the importance of Jinba instant concentrated powder.

Because under current technological conditions, the emergence of Jinba instant concentrated powder is nothing short of a technological revolution for Chenji!
Chen Bingwen paused, glanced at everyone, and continued, "With concentrated powder, it means we can achieve true global production and sales with the lowest capital investment, the lightest asset structure, and the fastest market response speed!"
Our core assets are not the factory, nor the land, but the formula, craftsmanship, and brand value contained in this packet of powder!

“Therefore,” Chen Bingwen said with unusual solemnity, “the formula, process, and production flow of Jinba instant concentrated powder are our most core trade secrets!”
Please take this seriously!

Chen Bingwen's analysis thoroughly enlightened everyone.

They realized that the strategic value of Jinba instant concentrated powder lies not only in the logistical and cost advantages brought by its physical form, but also in its core competitiveness of formula and slow-release technology, which are difficult to replicate.

The successful development of Jinba instant concentrated powder has cleared the biggest technical obstacle for Chenji to enter the global market.

Standing in the R&D center laboratory, Chen Bingwen looked at the clear, icy blue liquid and felt a sudden relief from the long-standing pressure in his heart.

With the core matters arranged, Chen Bingwen, unusually, did not stay in the office to continue processing documents.

In Jindu Garden, Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen were both taken aback when they saw their son push open the door and walk in.

"Awen? So early today?" Wang Qiaozhen put down the yarn she was knitting and quickly got up.

"I've finished my work at the factory, so I came back to have a meal with you all." Chen Bingwen smiled and changed into slippers.

Chen Guofu put down his newspaper and carefully examined his son: "You look a little better than last time, but you still need to rest more."

Money can never be earned enough, but health is the most important thing.

"Okay, Dad," Chen Bingwen replied, walking to the sofa and sitting down. "Recently, several major projects at the factory have been put on track, so we can finally catch our breath."

Wang Qiaozhen quickly walked into the kitchen: "It's rare for Awen to come back so early, I'll go cook two more dishes!"

"Sit down for a bit, it'll be ready soon!"

The atmosphere at the dinner table was much livelier than usual.

When Chen Guofu inquired about the factory's recent situation, Chen Bingwen shared what he could: "The sweet soups from Singapore are selling well, and the newly launched bottled beverages are starting to hit the shelves."

Wang Qiaozhen picked up a piece of roast goose for her son: "Business is business, but you also need to take care of your health!"
Look at you, you've lost weight. Eat more!

"Mom, I ate quite a lot." Chen Bingwen smiled as he put the roast goose into his mouth. "By the way, Dad, Mom, there's a new movie that's been released recently, called 'Drunken Master,' starring Jackie Chan. It's really good."

"After dinner, shall I treat you to a movie?"

"Watch a movie?" Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen exchanged a glance, both somewhat hesitant.

"Awen, it's fine to just watch TV at home. Going out to watch TV is too expensive," Wang Qiaozhen said.

Chen Guofu nodded: "Yes, I heard that a ticket costs seven or eight yuan."

Chen Bingwen put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "Dad, Mom, isn't the purpose of making money to make life better?"

You've worked hard your whole lives, what's a movie to you?

Besides, our factory has some connections with this film, so this is a way of showing our support.

Just to keep me company and help me relax?

Hearing their son say this, and seeing that he rarely wanted to relax, Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen didn't insist any further.

"Alright then." Chen Guofu nodded.

Wang Qiaozhen smiled and said, "Okay, I'll listen to Awen."

I'm going to change my clothes.

The area outside the Queen's Theatre was much more lively than when Chen Bingwen last attended a premiere.

Under the huge poster for "Drunken Master", a long line of people waited to buy tickets.

"So many people?" Chen Guofu was somewhat surprised.

"This movie is very popular, and the box office is great," Chen Bingwen explained, leading his parents toward the ticket window.

They bought three tickets with good seats and went into the cinema.

The lights dimmed, and the movie began.

When Jackie Chan's character, Wong Fei-hung, bursts into "Chen's Dessert" shop with a bruised and swollen face, shouting "Boss! Hurry!"

"Quick, give me a bowl of sweet soup to soothe my throat! My mouth is parched after the fight!" This prompted a burst of laughter in the theater.

Wang Qiaozhen couldn't help but whisper to Chen Bingwen, "Awen, this...this shop sign, is it our Chen's?"

Chen Bingwen nodded slightly: "Yes, there were some advertisements in the movie."

Chen Guofu also saw it, and a surprised yet proud smile appeared on his face.

When Wong Fei-hung finished his sweet soup and exclaimed with satisfaction, "Wow! That's great! Drinking a bowl of Chen's sweet soup after a fight is better than being in heaven!" the laughter of the surrounding audience grew even louder, and some people whispered among themselves, "Chen's sweet soup seems really good."

As Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen listened to the surrounding discussions, they unconsciously straightened their backs and their faces lit up.

Chen Guofu watched the drunken boxing fight in the climax with rapt attention, repeatedly praising, "This young man fights really well! He has real kung fu!"

As the movie ended and he walked out of the theater, Chen Guofu was still immersed in the fight scenes: "That movie was great!"

The fighting was brilliant and hilarious! Worth the ticket price!

Wang Qiaozhen nodded with a smile: "Yes, it's been a long time since I've been this happy."

Ah Wen, thank you for bringing us here.

"Dad, Mom, as long as you like it."

Looking at his parents' satisfied smiles, Chen Bingwen said with a smile, "When we have time in the future, let's go out more often."

Back home, Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen were still enthusiastically discussing the movie plot, especially the scene involving "Chen's Sweet Soup".

Chen Bingwen returned to his study. Although his body was relaxed, his brain habitually began to work.

The popularity of "Drunken Master" exceeded expectations, and Jackie Chan's meteoric rise to stardom is now a certainty.

The product placement of "Chen's Dessert" in the movie has been very effective, and word-of-mouth marketing has already begun.

The success of Jinba instant concentrate paved the way for global expansion.

Next, the coordination with Coca-Cola's bottling plants in North America and Europe must begin immediately.

The first batch of concentrated powder samples needs to be produced as soon as possible and sent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and food regulatory authorities in various European countries.

Although Chenji had secured sales channels to various countries through previous patent negotiations.

However, whether a product can be marketed still depends on passing the testing by food safety authorities in various countries.

(End of this chapter)