Top 10 Beverage Companies in the Middle East: Innovating Thirst Quenchers from Dunes to Metropolises

Aujan Industries (Saudi Arabia / UAE)

Profile: Founded in 1905, Aujan is the MENA region’s oldest beverage giant. Coca-Cola acquired 50% ownership in 2012 to leverage its distribution network across 50+ countries. Known for iconic brands like Rani and Barbican

Key Products & Services:

√ Rani fruit floats (e.g., Mango, Pineapple) – 180ml cans exported globally

√ Barbican non-alcoholic malt beverages (halal-certified)

√ Licensed production of Vimto in MENA

Innovation: Solar-cooled vending machines for desert climates; reduced-sugar variants for diabetes-conscious markets.

Website: aujan.com

Almarai (Saudi Arabia)

Profile: MENA's largest dairy/juice producer (est. 1977), valued at $12.5B. Operates 11,000+ retail touchpoints across GCC, Egypt, and Jordan.
Key Products & Services:
√ Cold-chain juices (200ml PET bottles) with 20+ flavors
√ Almarai Dairy drinks and functional yogurts
Innovation: Partnered with Sidel for 54,000-bph PET lines with 30% energy reduction; AI-driven spoilage control cutting waste by 18% .
Website: www.almarai.com

PepsiCo Middle East (Regional HQ: Dubai)

Profile: Dominates Saudi's carbonated market (30% share) via local bottler Al Jomaih. Invested $5B in regional supply chains since 2020.

Key Products & Services:

√ Localized 7UP with Arabic spices

√ Lifewtr premium water in recyclable rPET

Innovation: Desert-adapted “water-positive” plants recycling 100% process water; Ramadan-focused packaging.

Website: middleeast.pepsico.com

Coca-Cola MENA (Regional HQ: UAE)

Profile: Anchored by its Aujan stake, operates 24 bottling plants. Committed $50B to MENA sustainability through 2030.

Key Products & Services:

√ Coca-Cola Zero Sugar with date-syrup sweeteners

√ Rani juice line expansion (post-Aujan acquisition)

Innovation: Blockchain-tracked ingredient sourcing; solar-powered coolers for remote retailers.

Website: coca-cola.com/xf/en

Mai Dubai (UAE)

Profile: Government-owned water brand (est. 2014). Supplies Emirates Airlines and Dubai’s 65% municipal water demand.

Key Products & Services:

Still/sparkling water in 100% rPET bottles

Electrolyte-infused Vitality line

Innovation: World's fastest bottling line (86,000 bph); 100% solar-powered factory.

Website: maidubaiwater.com

AlSafi Danone (Saudi Arabia)

Profile: JV between Danone and Al Safi Dairy (est. 1979). Leads functional dairy with 25% Saudi market share.

Key Products & Services:

√ Probiotic yogurts targeting gut health

√ Low-GI diabetic-friendly milk

Innovation: Protein-fortified drinks for gym culture; Ramadan “iftar packs” with date extracts.

Website: alsafidanone.com

Nestlé MENA (Regional HQ: Dubai)

Profile: Operates 18 factories in MENA. Prioritizes plant-based shifts amid rising vegan demand (up 200% since 2021).

Key Products & Services:

√ Nescafé Ready-to-Drink coffees

√ S.Pellegrino mineral water in recycled glass

Innovation: 2025 goal for 100% recyclable packaging; almond-milk production in Egypt to cut water use 40%.

Website: nestle-mena.com

Gongcha (Taiwanese brand; MENA expansion)

Profile: Bubble tea leader partnering with Saudi's Shahia Group. Targets 300 stores by 2026, focusing on malls in Riyadh/Dubai.

Key Products & Services:

Brown sugar bubble tea with camel-milk options

Date-infused "Desert Pearl" series

Innovation: Halal-certified toppings; heat-resistant cups for outdoor consumption.

Website: gong-cha.com.tw

Al-Hijaz Water (Saudi Arabia)

Profile: Family-owned alkaline water specialist (est. 2005). Ranked #3 in Saudi bottled water sales in 2024.

Key Products & Services:

√ pH 9.0 natural spring water

√ Hotel/airline bulk supply contracts

Innovation: Glass-bottle premium line; IoT-enabled dispensers for offices.

Website: ahqsons.com

Star Drinks (Egypt)

Profile: Egypt's largest juice manufacturer (est. 1996). Exports to 22 African/Arab nations using local Nile Valley fruits.

Key Products & Services:

√ Mango nectar (40% fruit pulp)

√ Hibiscus and tamarind traditional drinks

Innovation: Solar-powered farms near Aswan; "no-added-sugar" certifications for EU exports.

Website: stardrinks.com