Salaam Cola: From Kitchen Counter to Global Disruption, One Ethical Sip at a Time

ISTANBUL – A new soda has taken to the market, Salaam Cola.

Rooted in frustration, faith, and defiance—this halal-certified soft drink is engineered as a counter-narrative to a century-old industry.

Aykiz Shah is a 27-year-old entrepreneur who leads the company and redefines what a global brand can look like when profit shares the stage with purpose.

Instead of focusing solely on profit, the company shares a portion of its success.

Salaam Cola pledges 10 percent of its profits to affected communities.

Legacy players have long controlled the global soft drinks market, but Functional beverages, ethically produced goods, and culturally inclusive brands are leading the shifting priorities.

Efforts include funding a school in Egypt for displaced Palestinian children, providing medical care to refugees, and delivering essential food and water in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen.

Unlike competitors who often hide their philanthropy, Salaam Cola prioritizes its intention.

I decided early on. I will lead my brand with our ethics, and giving back is in our DNA. We choose transparency. Turns out, that is what people waited for.

Shah explains their approach

Her work ethic now forms part of the company’s story. To get where the company started, Shah had to work countless hours. This now forms a large part of the company, where Shah has had to work many long days.

Today, distributors sell Salaam Cola in 14 countries including Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States and look towards adding North America and Southeast Asia. These facilities will create over 2,000 jobs, with roles spanning manufacturing, logistics, marketing, and operations.

Despite this growth, Salaam Cola maintains its requirement that all international partners contribute 10 percent of their local sales to regional charities. 

The company has also secured shelf space in major halal grocery chains and makes inroads into more mainstream outlets. 

Salaam Beverages Co Limited was founded in 2023 is committed to making change for what consumers needed out of the industry. The group aims to be a leader on culture and community.