Moutai Distillery

"Compared to the young and vibrant Tencent in Shenzhen, the Moutai Distillery is located in a valley in the mountains of Yunnan and Guizhou, a typical traditional craft-based manufacturing enterprise. Its evolution seems static, like its brewed wine, yet it is bold, slow, and in step with time. Its understanding of craftsmanship and technology is entirely different from that of the internet industry. If Tencent’s corporate history is an “explosion from 0 to 1,” then Moutai’s history is a brewing history transitioning from tradition to modernity, from “alchemy” to science."

"The natural conditions of Maotai Town are unique, with over 1940 types of microorganisms discovered in the core brewing area. Moutai Distillery established China’s first “Baijiu Microorganism Species Resource Bank.” When I went for a survey, the researchers told me that currently, more than 200 types of microorganisms have been definitively identified, and they can understand nearly 20 more each year. Hearing this made me a bit anxious for them: “At this rate, you probably won’t finish it in this lifetime.” The person smiled bitterly and said, “That’s the way it is.”"

"The third of the “Moutai Six Principles”: Quality above all as faith At the Moutai Distillery, if there is corporate faith, then quality is the only belief. Even in extremely harsh and tumultuous times, this faith was not abandoned. During those years of “movements,” the leadership of the distillery experienced turmoil, yet the three technical deputy directors appointed in 1956 worked stably until retirement. This was not the result of active perseverance by the company but was due to a special case: because of the special connection of the “Three Crossings of the Chishui River,” Moutai was favored by Premier Zhou Enlai and high-ranking generals. As early as during the founding ceremony of the nation, it was one of the designated national banquet wines. Moreover, in the fields of Chinese diplomacy and foreign trade, Moutai once played a unique role."

"From aroma theory to national standards, and then to original location protection, Moutai Distillery has constructed an unbreakable moat and wall for the sustainable development of the company. For any enterprise, moving from excellent to outstanding, from a crowded field to “only me,” the possible paths are no more than two: ownership of patented technology and formation of industry rules. Moutai’s success on the second path can serve as the most real reference for all enterprises."