The production base for volcano beverages in Haikou is set to be completed soon. [Photo/Nongfu Spring]

A beverage production base built by Hangzhou-based Nongfu Spring in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, is set to begin operations just one year after construction started, highlighting the rapidly improving investment climate of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

The production base for volcano beverages, equipped with eight production lines, is expected to be put into operation within three months. Major facilities, including bottling workshops, warehouses, boiler rooms and wastewater treatment systems, have already been completed.

The agreement for the project was signed at the Haikou Industrial Investment Conference in 2024. It broke ground in March and more than 80 percent of construction had been completed by October.

From initial site inspection to project approval, the process took only three months, while all administrative procedures were completed within 14 working days, according to the company.

Nongfu Spring chose Hainan for its favorable natural environment, particularly its high-quality water resources, which align with the company's strategy of building plants near water sources. The Haikou base will be developed into a green and digitally enabled factory producing natural drinking water and tea beverages.

With Hainan launching island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, the company expects lower costs, higher efficiency and smoother international connectivity. Leveraging the free trade port's institutional advantages and its proximity to Southeast Asia and RCEP markets, the Hainan facility is expected to serve as a key hub for future overseas expansion. 

The iconic package of Nongfu Spring bottled water. [Photo/Nongfu Spring]