Mecca Cola has sold two million bottles since its launch two months ago in France. In Muslim populated areas of Paris, the soft drink is sold for £1.05 ($1.7) per 1.5 liter bottle, approximately the same as its American rival Coke.
Kicked off during the Ramadam season, the product’s sales pitch included a 10 percent profit share promised to Palestinian charities. Although the product’s sales campaign was limited to Muslim neighborhoods, France’s supermarket chains have placed orders for the beverage.
Mecca Cola’s creator, Tawfiq Mathlouthi said that he has received orders for 11 million bottles and is building his own manufacturing and bottling plant near Paris. The Tunisian-born entrepreneur has invested £100,000 of personal funds in to the project and expects to make a profit by the middle of 2003.
The popular boycott of American products in the Middle East has opened a window of opportunity for Arab market specific products. Products on the embargo list include McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Marlboro and Heinz. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
