Meet the 27-Year-Old Disrupting Big Soda Companies with ‘Salaam Cola’

In a world dominated by soda giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, a 27-year-old entrepreneur is stirring up the industry with a bold, faith-driven alternative. Aykiz Shah, the visionary founder of Salaam Cola, has taken her passion for ethical business and humanitarian impact from her kitchen island to the global stage, with her halal-certified soft drink now sold in 14 countries.

Launched in November 2023, Salaam Cola has skyrocketed to success, selling nearly two billion cans worldwide in just 18 months, all while donating 10% of its profits to conflict-affected regions like Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.

Aykiz Shah, a hijab-wearing mother from Ireland, didn’t just set out to create a beverage—she aimed to spark a movement. Frustrated by the lack of purpose-driven options in the soda market, Shah founded Salaam Beverages Co. Limited with a clear mission: to combine great taste with global good.

“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,” Shah shared in a recent interview. “Salaam Cola is more than a beverage—it’s a tool for global good.”

What sets Salaam Cola apart is its unwavering commitment to donating 10% of its profits to humanitarian causes. Partnering with the UK-based charity Muslims in Need, the company has already made a tangible impact, funding a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt, providing medical care for over 10,000 patients, and rebuilding a bombed mosque in Syria. The brand’s focus on conflict zones, particularly Palestine, has resonated deeply with consumers, especially in communities that value ethical consumerism.

Shah’s journey is as inspiring as it is improbable. Starting with just £160 for sample cans, she launched Salaam Cola from her Brentford, UK, kitchen in October 2023. Fast forward to June 2025, and the brand is now a global sensation, available in countries like Ireland, the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia, with plans to expand into 10 more markets by 2026. The company’s halal certification and use of cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup have won over diverse consumers, from Middle Eastern restaurants in the US to Pakistani street food cafes.

Salaam Cola’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Industry giants are reportedly holding strategic meetings to counter the newcomer’s success, with some adjusting regional marketing campaigns in response. “Salaam Cola didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt,” Shah boldly declared, embodying the brand’s defiant spirit.

Whether you’re sipping Salaam Cola for its crisp taste or its bold mission, one thing is clear: Aykiz Shah’s faith-driven venture is more than a drink—it’s a global movement that’s just getting started.