In under one year, Salaam Cola, a halal-certified soda brand launched by 27-year-old Irish entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, is now available in 18 countries. It challenges major players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Shah started Salaam Cola in 2023 through Salaam Beverages Co. Limited with a focus on ethics and global good. The company donates 10% of its profits to war-affected places, including Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
Through its partnership with UK-based charity Muslims in Need, Salaam Cola helped build a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt. It also provided medical care for over 10,000 people, gave food and shelter in crisis zones, and rebuilt a bombed mosque in Syria.
Shah said, “As a mother and a woman in hijab in a male-dominated industry, I wanted to show you can build something meaningful without compromising your values.” She added, “Salaam Cola is more than a drink — it’s a vehicle for global good.”
The drink is halal-certified and has become popular in Ireland, the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and more. Its fast growth has attracted attention from major cola brands, and industry insiders say big companies are making new plans in response to Salaam Cola’s success.
Shah’s direct style has earned both support and backlash, especially for supporting causes in sensitive regions. But the brand stays transparent and regularly posts updates and proof of donations on social media.
By 2026, the brand plans to expand to 10 more countries. It also wants to open local production hubs to create jobs and grow its impact. Many new ethical drink brands are emerging, but Salaam Cola is leading the way.
Shah said, “We didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt.” She added, “If our presence makes the industry uncomfortable, that means we’re doing something right.”
Salaam Cola mixes quality, purpose, and bold leadership to change how global drink brands operate.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
