NJ Soda Brand Thrives as Coke and Pepsi Face Gaza War Boycotts

Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, a quiet revolution is taking place on the shelves of grocery stores and restaurants. A new wave of Palestinian-owned soda brands is making its mark, driven by global Gaza War boycotts targeting major corporations like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. For many consumers, these drinks are more than just beverages—they are a statement of solidarity, activism, and hope for change.

From New Jersey to Europe and beyond, brands like Drink Palestina, Salaam Cola, and Palestine Drinks are proving that business and advocacy can go hand in hand. With their sales surging and awareness growing, these companies are challenging the dominance of global giants while raising funds for humanitarian causes in Palestine.

Gaza War Boycotts

The Gaza War boycotts are not a new phenomenon, but their scale and impact have grown significantly in recent years. Sparked by global outrage over the treatment of Palestinians and the broader geopolitical implications of the Gaza conflict, these boycotts have targeted companies perceived to support or operate in Israel.

Social media has amplified these efforts, turning hashtags like #BoycottPepsi, #BoycottCoke, and #BoycottIsrael into rallying cries. Unlike traditional boycotts, which relied on localized grassroots movements, these campaigns have leveraged digital platforms to reach millions of people globally in mere days.

A Reuters report revealed that Western beverage brands experienced a 7% decline in sales in the Middle East during the first half of the year, underscoring the tangible impact of these campaigns. The success of these boycotts has also inspired consumers to seek out alternative products that align with their ethical and political values, such as Palestinian-owned soda brands.

At the heart of this movement are brands like Drink Palestina, which launched in New Jersey in July 2024. Founded by three friends—Abdallah Aladdin, his brother Mahmoud Aladdin, and Khaled Nagi—the brand quickly gained traction in Arab American communities and beyond.

The trio started small, going door to door at local restaurants and stores to introduce their product. Within six weeks, their first shipment of 50,000 cans had sold out, with orders coming in from across the United States. By November, the company had secured a warehouse in Garfield to accommodate a second shipment—this time four times larger.

“We didn’t expect it to grow this quickly,” said co-founder Abdallah. “At first, people wanted to test the product, but once they tasted it, the big orders started rolling in. Now, it’s about keeping up with demand.”

Drink Palestina’s success lies not just in its flavors—cola, diet cola, lemon-lime, and orange—but in its mission. The company donates 10% of its profits to charities supporting Palestinian health and education, making every purchase a contribution to a greater cause.

Palestine Drinks

Another standout in this space is Palestine Drinks, a Swedish brand launched by the brothers behind Safad Food AB. Since its debut in March 2024, the company has tripled its monthly sales to three million cans, with products now available in 10 European countries, South Africa, and Gulf nations.

Palestine Drinks has pledged 100% of its profits to charitable projects in Palestine, including clean water initiatives, food security programs, and medical aid. In its first year, the company donated over $500,000 to these causes—a figure that is expected to grow exponentially as the brand expands into the U.S. market.

“We’re not just building a business; we’re building a movement,” said company spokesperson Mohamed Kiswani. “Our mission is to create awareness and provide tangible support to Palestinian communities in need.”

The company is set to launch in 30 U.S. states by December, with plans to roll out up to two million cans per month. Discussions are also underway with North American bottling plants to localize production, which would significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Why Consumers Are Embracing Palestinian Soda Brands

The rise of Palestinian soda brands reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. People are increasingly seeking products that align with their values, whether those values are political, ethical, or environmental.

A key factor in the popularity of brands like Drink Palestina and Palestine Drinks is their use of natural ingredients, such as cane sugar, which offers a cleaner taste compared to sodas made with high-fructose corn syrup.

“The taste is amazing—it’s like a better version of Fanta,” said Sandra Haddad, a college student from Little Ferry, New Jersey, who discovered Drink Palestina on Instagram. “But more importantly, it feels good to support something that aligns with my beliefs.”

Social media has been instrumental in spreading the word. Viral videos showcasing the drinks’ eye-catching designs—featuring keffiyeh patterns and maps of Palestine—have generated millions of views. Influencers and activists have also played a crucial role, sharing their support for the brands and encouraging others to do the same.

The use of boycotts as a form of political protest dates back centuries. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to the anti-apartheid boycotts targeting South Africa, these campaigns have historically served as powerful tools for social and economic change.

The Gaza War boycotts draw on this legacy, using consumer activism to pressure corporations into reconsidering their policies and affiliations. What sets these boycotts apart is the speed and scale at which they have grown, thanks to the internet and social media.

For Palestinian soda brands, this context provides both an opportunity and a responsibility. By positioning themselves as ethical alternatives to multinational corporations, these brands are not just filling a market gap—they are actively contributing to a larger movement for justice and equity.

Opportunities for Palestinian Soda Brands

While the success of brands like Drink Palestina and Palestine Drinks is encouraging, it comes with its own set of challenges. Scaling production to meet rising demand is a significant hurdle, as is building a reliable distribution network in a competitive market.

For Drink Palestina, the focus is on maintaining quality while expanding reach. “We’re not just about selling soda; we’re about delivering on our promise to our customers and our cause,” said Abdallah.

Palestine Drinks faces similar challenges as it prepares to enter the U.S. market. The company is in talks with distributors and bottling plants to streamline its operations and ensure consistent supply. Meanwhile, plans to expand into South America are already in motion, with distributors in five countries expressing interest.

Despite these challenges, both brands remain optimistic. “The demand is there, and we’re committed to meeting it,” said Kiswani. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and make a difference.”

The rise of Palestinian soda brands is part of a larger trend toward ethical consumerism. Across industries, people are using their purchasing power to support businesses that reflect their values, from fair trade coffee to eco-friendly clothing.

This shift has significant implications for multinational corporations, which are increasingly being held accountable for their social and environmental impact. For companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the Gaza War boycotts serve as a wake-up call to reassess their practices and affiliations.

At the same time, the success of Palestinian soda brands highlights the potential for small, mission-driven businesses to disrupt established markets. By prioritizing ethics and advocacy, these brands are not just surviving—they are thriving.

Related: Pakistan Boycotts Israeli-Linked Products, Labels Netanyahu as ‘Terrorist

A New Era of Consumer Activism

The success of brands like Drink Palestina and Palestine Drinks underscores a broader shift in how people engage with the world around them. In an age of heightened awareness and activism, consumers are recognizing the power of their choices and using them to drive change.

Whether it’s a can of soda or a bag of coffee, every purchase is an opportunity to support a cause, challenge the status quo, and contribute to a better future. For the founders of these Palestinian soda brands, this is just the beginning.

“We’re building something bigger than ourselves,” said Aladdin. “It’s not just about the drinks—it’s about the movement. And we’re proud to be part of it.”

What’s Next for Gaza War Boycotts?

As awareness continues to grow, Palestinian soda brands are poised for even greater success. Plans for expansion into new markets, coupled with a strong focus on ethical business practices, position these brands as leaders in the global movement for social and economic justice.

In the words of Kiswani: “We’re not just building a business; we’re building a movement. And we’re just getting started.”

Key Takeaways:

• Gaza War Boycotts have led to a surge in support for Palestinian-owned businesses, including soda brands.
• Brands like Drink Palestina and Palestine Drinks are not just beverages—they are symbols of activism and solidarity.
• The movement reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, with people using their purchasing power to advocate for social and political change.
• Despite logistical challenges, these brands are expanding rapidly, with plans to enter new markets in North and South America.

By weaving together historical context, consumer trends, and the stories of the people behind these brands, this article offers a comprehensive look at how Palestinian soda brands are reshaping the market—and the conversation.