Latest news with #MilafCola
Gulf Insider
21-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Lulu To Retail Popular Saudi Brand Milaf Cola
An iconic Saudi F&B brand, Milaf Cola, will now be available at LuLu outlets in the GCC – and with the possibility of taking it to India as well. This comes after the Abu Dhabi headquartered hypermarket operator Lulu signed a deal with Al Madina Heritage, part of the Saudi wealth fund PIF's holdings. 'Sourcing and selling world-class products globally has always been our key strength,' said Yusuffali M. A, Chairman of Lulu Group. With our sourcing network spanning 23 countries, we are further strengthening our product portfolio by signing various MoUs with top suppliers.' What makes Milaf carve a different niche in an intensely fought over cola market is its use of carbonated date-sweetened formula. This replaces the traditional sugars or sweeteners with date extracts. 'Saudi F&B brands such as AlBaik fried chicken restaurant have developed cult following in the wider GCC markets,' said a retailer. 'Milaf Cola definitely comes with the same sort of advantages.' It's been a busy week for cola brands in Dubai. Earlier, a Reliance Industries' owned entity struck a partnership with Abu Dhabi's Agthia Group to sell the popular 'Campa Cola' label in the UAE.
Leaders
20-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Milaf Cola to Reach New Markets Through Lulu Partnership
The iconic Saudi brand Milaf Cola, a carbonated drink sweetened with date extracts, will debut in GCC Lulu stores by April 2025. This follows a strategic MoU between Lulu Group and Al Madina Heritage, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Yusuffali M.A., Lulu's Chairman, emphasized their global sourcing network spanning 23 countries to deliver world-class products. A Health-Conscious Revolution in the Cola Market Milaf Cola replaces traditional sugars with natural date sweetness, aligning with health trends and Saudi Vision 2030's sustainability goals. Launched at Riyadh's 2024 Date Festival, it offers antioxidants, fiber, and minerals while reducing sugar-related health risks. Beyond GCC markets, Lulu plans to introduce Milaf Cola in India, leveraging partnerships like its MoU with NAFED for agricultural exports. The brand also aims to combat date waste by repurposing overripe fruits into its formula. Gulfood 2025 further cemented Lulu's role in fostering cross-border food innovation, with nine MoUs signed globally. Retailers compare its potential to AlBaik's cult following, citing Saudi brands' regional appeal. With its cultural resonance and clean-label ethos, Milaf Cola challenges soda giants while redefining beverage sustainability. In conclusion, these partnerships signify growing interest in regional collaborations. They reflect efforts towards diversifying offerings while meeting consumer demands effectively. As such, both parties stand poised to benefit significantly from this mutually advantageous relationship. Short link : Post Views: 9
Khaleej Times
19-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Viral Saudi date cola among new fizzy drinks to hit market in April
A viral Saudi date cola will be available in the UAE starting April, according to a spokesperson. Milaf Cola, a carbonated date beverage that replaces traditional sweeteners with date extract, has partnered with a local company for distribution cross the GCC countries. 'We have signed a contract with Lulu group of companies to distribute our product throughout the GCC,' Mohamed El-Nahas, Senior Director of Product Development, told Khaleej Times. 'For now, the aim is to have it on the shelves of supermarkets around the region starting in April.' The cola, which was launched in November last year, immediately went viral for its innovation and taste. According to Mohamed, the cola was developed to prevent dates from being wasted. 'We grow a certain variety of dates that need to be eaten semi-dry,' he said. 'But when it becomes too soaked, no one eats it even though it increases in fibers and sweetness. So from a sustainable perspective, we brought the date into our factory and got an extract which we then used to produce the cola.' Mohamed added that it took seven months for the company to perfect the recipe of the cola. According to a Dubai Chamber presentation, carbonated beverages form the second largest chunk of the UAE beverage retail market with USD $400 million spent on it in 2024. The category is expected to see a 6.8 percent growth in the next year. Five-decade old cola brand India's Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has marked its first entry into the UAE market by introducing Campa Cola in the country. The brand, which is over five decades old, was acquired by the company in 2022 and is now being launched here. According to Ketan Mody, COO of the company, the drink is going to offer UAE consumers something new. 'People are always looking for good quality products,' he said. 'Consumers always looks for choice and our job is to give them these choices. We don't want to compete with other brands. Instead, we want to focus on the consumer.' Launching in three flavours of cola, orange and lemon, the drink will be available in UAE supermarkets soon. He also added that the company was looking to introduce additional products including sports drinks in the UAE at a later phase. Healthy cola One of the exhibitors at Gulfood this year is 51 Agave Cola which is bringing healthy cola to the table. Sweetened with natural agave and free from additives, it claims to be a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks on the market. 'Everyone loves a cool glass of cola,' Ayat Awan, head of e-sales of the UK-based company. 'We wanted to bring in a healthy alternative to the existing brands so that everyone can continue enjoying the drink without worrying about their health.' Served in glass bottles and cans, the cola comes in four flavors including cherry and a spiced version as well. 'The response we have got so far is very encouraging,' he said. 'We are hoping to find partners in Dubai so that we can launch the cola on the market here. With people here being so focused on healthy eating, we are sure there is a good market for our brand.'
