PALESTINE – Palestine Cola, a soft drink brand by Palestine Drinks, has witnessed a significant increase in demand over the past month, fueled by consumers boycotting other American-owned soft drink market leaders.
The company reports struggling to keep up with demand, with sales reaching around four million cans in just under two months.
Founded by Hussein, Mohammed, and Ahmad Hassoun, brothers of Palestinian descent and successful businessmen based in Malmo, Palestine Cola was created six months ago as an alternative to Pepsi and Coca-Cola.
The brand has rapidly gained popularity, garnering millions of social media hits and attracting interest from companies worldwide seeking to stock its cola.
The distinctive cans of Palestine Cola feature historic symbols of Palestine, including olive branches and a Palestinian keffiyeh design, alongside the words “liberty for everyone.”
This imagery underscores the founders’ message that regardless of ethnicity and religion, everyone has the right to freedom.
Beyond offering a beverage alternative, the Hassoun brothers aim to raise awareness about Palestine and support charities aiding those affected by the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Our initiative involves a charity organisation run by two dedicated lawyers. Their mission is to channel funds directly to the people of Palestine, particularly those in Gaza,” said Hussein Hassoun.
According to the company officials, they have established the Safad Foundation in Sweden, where funds raised through the company will be collated and donated to projects in Palestine.
Palestine Cola’s surge in popularity coincides with a broader boycott of American soft drink giants due to their business ties with Israel and its occupying settlements.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS), a pro-Palestine human rights group, has criticized Coca-Cola for operating a factory in Israel’s illegal settlement of Atarot in the occupied West Bank. Turkey’s parliament also removed Coca-Cola products from its restaurants over similar concerns.
In response to consumer demand, Palestine Drinks aims to expand its product range beyond cola, with plans for sugar-free cola, orange, lemon, and energy drinks.
“We are working on a cola sugar-free product and we also have in the pipeline orange, lemon and energy drinks,” said a company’s spokesperson.
The company envisions its products being available in restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores across Europe in the near future.
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