Al Madinah Heritage Company, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has launched a soft drink made from a local staple: dates. Milaf Cola, claimed to be the world’s first commercial soft drink made from dates, is a unique twist on a familiar refreshment without any added sugar, relying solely on the natural sweetness of premium-quality dates.
Historically, dates have played a central role in Middle Eastern refreshments like sharbat—a traditional drink sweetened with sugar, syrup or honey. Milaf Cola's launch taps into this rich heritage and modernises it, presenting a healthier alternative to soft drinks.
Bandar Al Qahtani, CEO of Al Madinah Heritage Company, said that Milaf Cola aims to open up international markets for Saudi date farmers. A spokesperson from the company elaborated on this vision to India’s The Munsif Daily, stating, "Milaf Cola is just the beginning. We are working on a variety of products that will revolutionise how dates are consumed globally."
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Established in July this year, Al Madinah Heritage Company is already a leader in the kingdom, not only producing Milaf Cola but also a range of date byproducts such as sugar-free date sandwich spread and packaged dates. The company focuses on enhancing the quality and production capacity of Ajwa dates from the Madinah region and promoting their distribution both locally and internationally.
Ajwa dates are celebrated for their superior quality and nutritional benefits, often regarded as a natural superfood due to their high content of fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. These dates also hold significant religious and cultural value, particularly within the Muslim community for breaking fasts during Ramadan.
Majed Al Assaf, head of consumer goods and retail in the Middle East Investments Division at the Public Investment Fund, remarked on the broader significance of the date industry to the Saudi economy in July. "Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of dates, consistently delivering products of the highest quality that cater to a wide consumer demand," he noted.
Milaf Cola is a testament to the growing popularity of innovative, flavour-rich, and culturally significant cuisine in the region. As Milaf Cola prepares to expand its presence in the global market, it stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic and evolving food and beverage sector.
