In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Coca-Cola’s popularity has waned amid rising anti-American sentiment fueled by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Palestinian consumers, protesting U.S. support for Israel, have turned to Chat Cola, a local alternative whose branding closely resembles Coca-Cola’s. Chat Cola has seen a 40% surge in sales in the West Bank over the past year, driven by a “buy local” movement. While Coca-Cola’s local franchise employs Palestinians, its sales have declined as boycotts gain momentum. Chat Cola, founded in 2019, has capitalized on the situation by rebranding with a “Palestinian taste” logo and expanding its product line. Despite its growth, the company faces challenges under Israeli occupation, including import taxes and supply chain disruptions. Chat Cola has also secured kosher certification to appeal to Israeli markets, where its sales in predominantly Arab cities rose 25% last year. Critics argue that boycott movements like BDS exacerbate tensions, but Chat Cola’s success reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior amid the conflict. — news from The Associated Press
