The tie-up marks a rare case in the consumer sector of a Chinese company acquiring a foreign stake within its own borders and not the other way around, as brands seek to seize market share and tap China's growing middle class, widening tastes and purchasing power.Īmong foreign companies, both Nestle SA, the world's biggest food group and Diageo Plc, the world's largest spirits group, have made inroads into the country's food and beverage market this year.