Bama turns longevity resources into specialty beverage industry

Bama Yao autonomous county in Hechi has developed a distinctive specialty beverage industry by capitalizing on its long-standing resources, adhering to a farmer-oriented service model, and tapping the supply and marketing system's organizational and network advantages. It focuses on both mineral water and plant herbal drinks, exploring a sustainable development path.

Through in-depth research, Bama has seized industrial opportunities. Its mineral water, rich in beneficial minerals and trace elements, enjoys strong market recognition and significant development potential.

Local edible and medicinal plants, including hemp, which provide significant health benefits, align with the current trend of healthy beverage consumption. The county has identified the two sectors as core engines for reforming the supply and marketing systems, fostering business expansion and rural vitalization, advancing the development through standardization, branding and scaling.

To address industrial shortcomings, Bama has adopted an innovative model that integrates supply and marketing cooperatives, leading enterprises, cooperatives, bases and farmers. It has co-developed natural spring water with local supply and marketing system and enterprises, establishing a full-chain quality control system from water source protection to market sales.

It has also jointly developed plant-based herbal drinks, such as the Ganoderma Lucidum and Ginseng Drink, helping transform the industry from raw material supply to brand operations and product sales.

Bama has expanded sales channels through rural service outlets, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms, with live-streaming, short-video marketing and community group buying. It has opened specialty stores for supply and marketing to promote products nationwide.

Statistics show that the annual sales of natural spring water under the local supply and marketing system in Bama have exceeded 3 million yuan ($434,100) for three consecutive years, and sales of new herbal drinks exceeded 500,000 yuan in the fourth quarter of 2025.