The likeness of billionaire Warren Buffett is gracing Cherry Coke cans in China, where the company's largest investor enjoys a legendary reputation.

Coca-Cola announced over the weekend that a grinning cartoon portrait of the American business magnate would adorn cans and bottles of his favourite flavour after it was introduced in the country on March 10.

Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett's investment firm, is Coca-Cola's biggest shareholder with a 9.3 percent stake valued at about $17 billion.

"Incidentally, there is no compensation involved," Buffett told Yahoo Finance of the use of his image for "a limited promotional period."

The 86-year-old investor and philanthropist has been photographed on numerous occasions taking a swig of Cherry Coke, earning him the title of "best-known fan" from Coca-Cola chief executive Muhtar Kent.

In Communist-ruled China, where Chairman Mao portraits are as ubiquitous as brand-name logos, Buffett's business acumen has made him a celebrity and inspired thousands of Chinese investors to reportedly flock to Omaha, Nebraska, for Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting last year.

While the meeting was livestreamed around the world, simultaneous translation was only offered in Mandarin.

Buffett has in turn lauded China's "totally miraculous" growth.

As for his enduring appreciation of Cherry Coke -- he invested in Coca-Cola as early as 1985 -- Buffett admitted in his shareholders' letter last February that he consumes enough Coke and candy "to satisfy the weekly caloric needs of an NFL lineman."

"There's nothing like eating carrots and broccoli when you're really hungry," he added, "and want to stay that way."

yan/mtp

COCA-COLA

YAHOO!

Tweet

What's in a Chinese name? Ancient rites and growing business
Beijing (AFP) April 2, 2017
In a one-room shop tucked inside a Beijing alley, a bearded 74-year-old fortune-teller in crimson tunic offers what Chinese parents have sought for centuries: an auspicious name for their newborn. But business has been tough lately for Mao Shandong and others in his trade as tech-savvy entrepreneurs have turned the ancient naming tradition into a lucrative online business. "We can't make ... read more

Related Links
China News from SinoDaily.com

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only