GNC partners with China-based Bright Food
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
General Nutrition Centers plans to enter the Chinese market in mid 2010 after it finalizes a joint venture with Bright Food's subsidiary Shanghai Yangtang Group, the Pittsburgh-based nutritional product retailer announces Feb. 12. The firms entered a memorandum of understanding and expect to launch products mid-year in China's large to medium-sized cities under the name GNC China. They also may consider retailing, distribution and production opportunities, according to the release. Euromonitor International estimates China's OTC vitamin and supplement segment sold $8 billion based on retail value in 2009, and notes the segment is growing at a rate of 4 percent in local currency (1"The Tan Sheet" Feb. 1, 2010)