In less than a year, Salaam Cola, a halal-certified soft drink founded by 27-year-old Irish entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, has rapidly expanded to 18 countries, positioning itself as a values-driven alternative to industry giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Launched in 2023 under Salaam Beverages Co. Limited, Salaam Cola’s mission is rooted in ethical business and humanitarian impact. The company donates 10% of its profits to conflict-affected regions, with a particular focus on Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
Through a partnership with UK-based charity Muslims in Need, Salaam Cola has already contributed to building a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt, funding medical care for over 10,000 patients, providing food and shelter in crisis zones, and reconstructing a bombed mosque in Syria.
“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,” Shah said in a recent interview. “Salaam Cola is more than a drink — it’s a vehicle for global good.”
The beverage, which is halal-certified and appeals to a broad consumer base, has seen strong sales in Ireland, the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. Salaam Cola’s rapid growth has caught the attention of major cola brands, with industry sources noting increased strategic activity in response to the newcomer’s success.
Shah’s unapologetic approach has drawn both praise and criticism, particularly for the brand’s open support of humanitarian causes in politically sensitive regions. However, Salaam Cola has maintained transparency, regularly sharing updates and proof of its charitable work on social media.
Looking ahead, Salaam Cola plans to enter 10 more markets by 2026 and is preparing to open regional production hubs to create local jobs and deepen its impact. The company’s rise has inspired a wave of halal and ethical beverage startups, but Salaam Cola remains at the forefront of the movement.
“We didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt,” Shah said. “If our presence makes the industry uncomfortable, that means we’re doing something right.”
With its blend of quality, purpose, and bold leadership, Salaam Cola is redefining what it means to be a global beverage brand in 2025.
