Wanglaoji in top list for first time

SHANGHAI: Charity pays. Herbal drink brand Wanglaoji, which ranked nowhere in Hurun's brand value list last year, leaped to the 49th ranking this year thanks largely to its generous donation of 100 million yuan to the Sichuan earthquake victims last May.

The Guangdong-based drink firm created a huge intangible asset through positive and healthy brand building and marketing, and its brand value is estimated to have hit $540 million, according to Hurun's latest report yesterday.

Wanglaoji's rocket rise is a good example on how to construct a smart image through shouldering corporate social responsibility, analysts said.