AFTER Coca-Cola terminated its advertising contract with popular Khmer rapper VannDa over his political comments on social media on the border dispute with Thailand, two Cambodian companies have now launched “Cambodia Cola” to compete for a market share amid an anti-Coke sentiment, MNG Online said today (Aug. 18).
Cambodian leader Hun Sen intervened in the growing anti-Coke wave by publicly defending Coca-Cola’s decision, arguing that a boycott would harm the national economy by threatening local jobs and tax revenue.
Cambodian media outlet Khmernote published photos of the new “Cambodia Cola” on Facebook with a caption saying this new carbonated soft drink has been produced by Chip Mong Group and Khmer Beverages, and it is 100% Cambodian product made by Cambodian entrepreneurs.
A review of the Cambodia Cola Facebook page revealed that it was set up on June 10, 2024 under the name Vikingz, an energy drink brand that has since ceased distribution. On August 4 this year the page was renamed Cambodia Cola with the profile photo changed and the slogan “Fizz Up the Flavour of Joy” displayed.
A video was also released that says: “The Spirit of Unity, Cambodians Love Cambodia, Let’s Support Cambodian Products Together!”
A background check shows that Khmer Beverages was established in 2009 and produces alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Cambodia. Its first product was Cambodia Beer, before expanding to other beverages such as Cambodia Water, IZE cola and WURKZ energy drinks. The company has a production capacity of 7 million hectolitres per year.
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Cambodia Cola launched in the neighbouring country. Photos shared by Khmernote on Facebook.
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