The Israel-Palestine Conflict Sparks a "Cola War" in Pakistan & India

The Israel-Palestine conflict isn’t just dominating headlines—it’s reshaping what people drink in South Asia. As global boycotts target brands perceived as pro-Israel, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are facing backlash in Pakistan, while India’s beverage market tells a different story. Here’s how the "Cola War" is playing out. 

Pakistan: Boycotts Boost Local Sodas  

Social media campaigns like #BoycottCoke and #NoToPepsi have gone viral, with consumers swapping multinational brands for homegrown options like Pakola, Next Cola, and Gourmet. 

Though Coke and Pepsi deny funding Israel, public sentiment has hurt sales, with some restaurants and shops dropping them.  

The government hasn’t officially banned these brands, but nationalist and religious sentiments are driving the shift.  

India: A Different Story

Unlike Pakistan, India’s government supports Israel, and no major boycott have hit Coke or Pepsi.  

However, local brands like Thums Up (owned by Coke but culturally Indian) and Campa Cola remain popular due to nationalist pride. 

 If geopolitical tensions rise, could Hindu nationalist groups turn against global brands too?

Will the Shift Last? 

In Pakistan, local brands lack Coke/Pepsi’s distribution power—so if anger fades, consumers might return. 

In India, global sodas still dominate, but local players are gaining ground. 

One thing is clear: politics is now a key ingredient in the beverage business. 

Bottom Line: This isn’t just about soda—it’s about consumer power, nationalism, and how global conflicts ripple into everyday life. Will the fizz fade, or is this a permanent shake-up? Only time will tell. 

What’s your take? Would you switch to a local cola for political reasons? Comment below!