Dual Endorsements from Forbes & Sullivan: What’s Driving Fish With You’s Success?

Fish With You Wins Prestigious Awards from Forbes China and Sullivan

The leading sauerkraut fish franchise was recognized for its brand value, global influence, and leadership at the 2025 China Consumer Goods & Services Summit.

SHANGHAI, March 7, 2025 – At a major industry event hosted by prestigious organizations including Forbes China and Sullivan, the fast-casual brand Fish With You took home three top honors. The awards recognize the company’s exceptional growth, innovative strategies, and leadership in the global restaurant market.

The brand secured two significant awards:

• "Value Enterprise of the Year" from Forbes China
• "Value Brand of the Year" from Sullivan

In addition, company founder Wei Tongrong was honored as "Outstanding CEO of the Year" by Sullivan.

As globally recognized authorities in business, awards from Forbes and Sullivan are considered a mark of industry excellence. The selection process evaluates companies on multiple criteria, including market competitiveness, innovation, industry influence, and social responsibility. These wins cement Fish With You’s status as a dominant player in the global consumer market.

From Local Hit to Global Franchise Leader

Founded in 2017, Fish With You reinvented the traditional sauerkraut fish dish as a convenient, fast-casual meal. In just eight years, the brand has grown to over 2,500 locations in more than 360 cities worldwide. Its footprint extends across China, the United States, Canada, the UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia, making it the world's largest sauerkraut fish franchise.

Fish With You pioneered the international expansion of the sauerkraut fish category. Its success is built on a standardized product system, efficient operations, and a smart approach to local taste preferences. As a result, many of its international locations report revenues and return on investment that surpass domestic benchmarks.

Key Strategies Driving Success

The brand’s rapid growth is powered by continuous innovation in three core areas:

1. Product Evolution:
Fish With You expanded beyond its flagship dish with a "Sauerkraut Fish + More Hits" strategy. It introduced popular new menu items like braised beef and spicy chicken, creating a versatile menu matrix. This evolution broadens the brand’s appeal, positioning it not just for quick solo meals but also for small group and family dining.

2. Digital Transformation:
The company has heavily invested in technology to streamline its operations. Custom-built IT systems for store location selection, operations management, and supply chain have created a closed-loop digital ecosystem. In 2024, Fish With You accelerated its tech adoption by launching AI-powered customer service bots, intelligent store monitoring systems, and other advanced digital tools to boost efficiency franchise-wide.

3. Modern Marketing:
Breaking away from traditional restaurant marketing, Fish With You has adopted nimble, "beverage-style" marketing tactics popular with younger consumers. A recent new product launch used a combination of celebrity promotion, social media influencers, and limited-edition merchandise, generating nearly 200 million online impressions. Such campaigns, along with creative partnerships with music festivals and movies, keep the brand fresh and relevant.

These awards mark a key milestone in Fish With You's journey from a domestic leader to a global consumer brand. Backed by the dual recognition from Forbes and Sullivan, the company is set to begin its next chapter of global growth, fueled by a mission to bring innovative Chinese cuisine to the world.