Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co Ltd, the domestic beverage giant, recently announced it will produce the Russian drink Gewasi, putting tremendous pressure on local enterprises in Northeast China.

The soft drink entered the market earlier this year. Its price and packaging compares with those of Harbin Churin Food Co Ltd, a veteran food company in Northeast China.

Made of fermented bread, Gewasi is a low-alcohol beverage popular in Russia, Ukraine and other eastern European countries. It was introduced to Harbin at the end of the 19th century.