The brand "Wanglaoji", one of the most popular soft drinks in China, and under the Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited, has become the country's most valued brand, with a brand value of 108.02 billion yuan ($16.26 billion).

According to data from research company AC Nielsen, from 2002 to 2009, the annual growth of the brand reached as high as 96 percent, and since the latter half of 2007, the sales of its herbal tea have exceeded those of many carbonic acid drinks in cans in the country.

The appraisal, by Sinocap (Beijing) Asset  Appraisal Co. Ltd, was of 108.02 billion yuan ($16.26 billion), breaking the previous record of 85.5 billion yuan ($12.87 billion) set by Chinese home appliances giant Haier.

Li Chuyuan, general manager of the company, said that the company will make full use of the brand's resources, and seek partners globally. He also disclosed that last year, herbal tea sales reached 16 billion yuan ($2.41 billion), surpassing Coca-Cola's 15 billion yuan ($2.26 billion).

However, the public is not so sure of the company's achievements and don't believe it is worth so much; and that although the company is popular in China, the same does not happen abroad.

According to the company, Wanglaoji will also expand its business fields, including medicated wine, health care products, food and sports equipments.