Salaam Cola, the flagship product of the Salaam Beverages Co. Limited, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, has achieved remarkable global reach, launching in 14 countries across four continents in under a year. Founded by 26-year-old Irish entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, the company is revolutionizing the beverage industry with a unique business model that prioritizes humanitarian aid and ethical principles, offering a bold alternative to traditional soft drink brands.
Founded in 2023, Salaam Cola dedicates 10% of its profits to supporting conflict-affected communities in regions like Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Through its partnership with the UK-registered charity Muslims in Need, the brand has made significant contributions, including constructing a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt, funding life-saving medical treatment for over 10,000 patients, providing essential food and shelter in crisis zones, and rebuilding a mosque destroyed in Syria.
Aykiz Shah, the founder of Salaam Cola, emphasizes her vision with the brand, stating, “As a mother and a woman in hijab navigating a male-dominated space, I wanted to prove that you don’t have to compromise your values to build something meaningful,” and further adds, “Salaam Cola is more than a beverage — it’s a tool for global good.”
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Salaam Cola has gained significant traction not only for its humanitarian mission but also for its high-quality products, which have earned halal certification and garnered praise from consumers of diverse backgrounds. The brand’s commitment to quality and values has resonated with a broad audience.
With operations now spanning multiple countries, including Ireland, the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia, Salaam Cola is expanding rapidly. The company has announced ambitious plans to enter 10 additional markets by 2026. This swift growth has caught the attention of major cola brands, with industry insiders suggesting that they are holding strategic meetings and planning regional campaigns in response to Salaam Cola’s rising prominence.
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Aykiz Shah confidently asserts the brand’s mission, stating, “We didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt.” This bold approach is reflected in the company’s commitment to challenging the status quo in the beverage industry.
Shah adds, “If our presence makes the industry uncomfortable, that’s a sign we’re doing something right.” Despite facing criticism for its outspoken stance, Salaam Cola remains dedicated to transparency, regularly sharing evidence of its charitable initiatives online. This approach has helped the company maintain its leadership in the halal beverage market, inspiring other alternatives while staying true to its values.
As Salaam Cola pursues further expansion, founder Aykiz Shah emphasizes that the company’s focus remains on growing both the business and its positive impact. Plans are underway to establish regional production hubs, creating jobs and strengthening local involvement in emerging markets.
Editor’s Note
Salaam Cola is another step paving the way towards the welfare of war-torn regions in the Middle East by manufacturing close alternatives to United States-based beverage giants. This marks another significant step after the Sweden-based Palestine Drinks; West Bank, Palestine-based Chat Cola; and United Kingdom-based Cola Gaza, among others.
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