Aykiz Shah, 27, launched Salaam Cola in 2023, creating a halal-certified beverage brand that donates 10 percent of profits to humanitarian causes. Now operating in 14 countries, the company challenges industry norms while maintaining cultural values and planning significant expansion.
Multinational giants and conventional advertising have long set the tone in the soft drink market, but 27-year-old entrepreneur Aykiz Shah is changing the narrative. As founder and CEO of Salaam Beverages Co. Limited, Shah’s halal-certified Salaam Cola donates 10 percent of profits to humanitarian aid in conflict-affected regions.
Founded in Dublin in 2023, Salaam Cola has grown from a grassroots initiative into an emerging global player. "I wanted to create a brand that tastes good and does good," says Shah, who launched the business without corporate backing while managing the demands of motherhood. From operating forklifts to finalizing distribution agreements, she has personally overseen each stage of the company's growth.
Market Expansion Reaches Multiple Continents
Within two years, Salaam Cola has entered 14 countries, including the UK, USA, South Africa, Singapore, and Qatar. The brand's expansion strategy now includes a strong focus on the Middle East, where demand for halal-certified and ethically positioned beverages continues to rise. The company reports especially high demand in the UAE, with ongoing talks to solidify partnerships in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"The appetite for value-driven consumer products is undeniable across the Gulf," Shah explains. "We are aligning ourselves to meet that demand with sincerity and scale."
Humanitarian Model Drives Brand Differentiation
Central to Salaam Cola's growth stands its humanitarian model. The company allocates a percentage of all profits to initiatives such as education, food security, and healthcare. These include building a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt and providing medical care to over 10,000 refugees in Syria and Yemen. "We are not interested in performative pledges," Shah notes. "We show receipts. We share updates. Consumers know exactly where their money is going."
This direct and transparent approach helps the brand stand out in a saturated market. According to Statista, the global soft drink industry is expected to reach $1.49 trillion by 2025, driven by increasing consumer interest in socially responsible and culturally inclusive brands. Salaam Cola positions itself as part of this next generation of businesses that merge product quality with ethical impact.
Breaking Corporate Norms While Maintaining Identity
Shah's decision to wear the niqab while leading a high-growth enterprise challenges corporate norms. Instead of conforming to traditional expectations of visibility, she redefines it by building influence while remaining true to her identity. "You do not need to sacrifice faith or family to succeed," she adds. "You just need vision and persistent effort."
Future Plans Focus on Production and Innovation
For future development, Salaam Cola plans to establish regional production hubs by 2026, creating over 2,000 new jobs across strategic markets. Additionally, the brand aims to introduce new product lines, including functional beverages designed to meet changing consumer preferences.
From a modest operation to an expanding global presence, Salaam Cola proves that a beverage brand can prioritize people without compromising performance. As Shah puts it, "We are not just disrupting the market. We are building a legacy rooted in purpose."
Visit www.salaamcola.com to learn more about Salaam Cola's international expansion, products and cause.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario