Tawfik Mathlouthi founds Mecca Cola in France. It all starts in a 16 m² room under a staircase, at the back of a shopping arcade in Saint-Denis.
A different cola, built on values.On 28 August 2002, AFP announces the arrival of Mecca Cola in Europe and North Africa. In October, the UPI news agency in turn reports the launch of the new soda.
Two months and two million sales after its launch, Mecca Cola arrives in Wales. The brand announces it will give 10% of its profits to a Palestinian charity and 10% to British charities.
— Western Mail, 21 January 2003
A brand with a cause: for every can or bottle sold, 20% of profits go to local and international humanitarian causes. The brand draws attention as far as the United States (Wisconsin State Journal, 1 November 2003).
“For every can or bottle sold, 20 per cent of profits go to a range of leading local and international humanitarian concerns.”Mecca Cola's slogan gets people talking as far as the United Kingdom.
“Stop drinking stupid, drink with commitment!”According to Bilan magazine, Tawfik Mathlouthi has won his bet. Launched at the end of 2002 with a starting stake of 22,000 euros and no advertising, Mecca Cola generated 3,577,713 euros in revenue between November 2002 and January 2004, with 20 million litres sold.
“The dogs bark, the caravan moves on.”Mecca Cola is among the brands cited in a report on teenage consumer trends in Europe (X-tribes Teens, August 2004).
Mecca Cola concentrates are certified Halal by the Islamic Food Council of Europe.
In an interview, the founder sums up the brand's philosophy.
“I am driven by universal values.”Mecca Cola World Group is headquartered in Hong Kong. The brand is known in Pakistan, France, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Senegal. The range: Regular, Diet, Frawla, Lemon, Appel, Azkacola, Energy.
Be different — Live the moment and discover the taste of freedom.