'Cambodia Cola': The new patriotic wave challenging Coca-Cola in Cambodia

In August 2025, following a controversy, two Cambodian companies launched a new national brand: ‘Cambodia Cola’. This local offensive has become a powerful symbol of a burgeoning economic patriotism, appealing to a Cambodian public that is increasingly sensitive to the national cause in a geopolitical context that remains tense.

The birth of ‘Cambodia Cola’ stems from the resurgence of a boycott movement against Coca-Cola, triggered after the abrupt termination of the advertising contract with VannDa, the famous Cambodian rapper whose political stance on the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand displeased his sponsor.

This decision, perceived by a large section of the population as a renunciation of freedom of expression and a submission to foreign pressure, sparked a wave of emotion and a call for support for 100% local products.

The newcomer to the market is jointly represented by Chip Mong Group, a long-established Cambodian conglomerate with multiple activities ranging from construction to the production of consumer goods, and Khmer Beverages, the national leader in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Established in 2009, Khmer Beverages enjoys a solid reputation for the quality and variety of its products, with an annual production capacity of several million hectolitres and a workforce of nearly 1,000, reflecting strong local expertise.

On its Facebook page, Cambodia Cola clearly displayed its slogan ‘Fizz Up the Flavour of Joy’ and messages calling for national unity:

‘The Spirit of Unity, Cambodians love their country, let's support local products together!’

A message that sounds like a rallying cry in the face of foreign economic and cultural pressure. The repositioning of the page, formerly dedicated to the Vikingz energy brand, marked a desire to establish deep roots in the national market with a powerful local symbol.

At a time of ongoing diplomatic tensions with Thailand, ‘Cambodia Cola’ is not just a soda brand; it is becoming a standard for asserted local pride and a desire for economic sovereignty.

With this launch, Cambodia is demonstrating its ability to produce, consume and promote its own brands, with the ambition of strengthening its industrial and commercial fabric in the face of multinationals.