Time-honored brands need innovation to surviveDrinking herbal tea is a longtime tradition here in Guangzhou, mostly due to the city’s moist and hot weather. Cooked through boiling Chinese herbal medicine, herbal tea helps 1. ________ body heat and humidity. A wisdom handed down from ancestors centuries ago, herbal tea has become popular nationwide. “Wanglaoji” is the best-known local brand, dating back to 1828.This year alone, Wanglaoji has opened four new stores in Guangzhou. Pop culture elements are now incorporated into the 2. ________ design. Some even buy it from e-commerce platforms like JD.com.However, such success for an old Chinese brand that retains its popularity still today, is quite rare. There are around 1,200 so-called “China time-honored brands” designated by the Ministry of Commerce, but only a handful of them are operating in good conditions. One expert says a lack of 3. ________ is the main reason for their decline.But why should it matter whether these time-honored brands survive or die? Wang says they represent the essence of China’s business civilization, therefore should be protected. Furthermore, some of them have core identities, which helps them gain international 4. ________. The key, Wang says, is to think beyond “exporting” your products.“First you need to keep innovating your product. Secondly, try to solve problems for international customers, meeting their demands. Thirdly, set up branches overseas, hire locals to 5. ________ your product, and create public good.”Having already penetrated Southeast Asian and American markets, Wanglaoji has the ambition of becoming China’s Coca-cola. On that note, Professor Wang believes the country’s cultural 6. ________ will be the crucial factor. He says China should continue to build its soft power as it nurtures more globally influential brands.