After a decade of successful cooperation, the Czech beverage manufacturer Kofola ČeskoSlovensko — now also the owner of the country’s fifth-largest brewery chain as of last year (inside.beer, 22.11.2023) — and the Austrian company Rauch are ending their partnership. Starting in 2025, Kofola will no longer distribute Rauch products, such as the well-known brands Happy Day and Ice Tea, in the Czech Republic. Instead, Kofola will launch its own brands of juices and iced teas.
In an interview with Seznam Zprávy, Kofola’s CEO Daniel Buryš explained that the split was amicable: "I believe both sides consider the partnership very successful. However, we have now agreed to go our separate ways."
Buryš also announced the introduction of new Kofola brands. The company will launch its new juice brand Curiosa and, in collaboration with the renowned tea producer Dilmah, will offer a completely new range of iced teas.
A Czech Beverage Empire on the Rise
Kofola is one of the largest non-alcoholic beverage producers in Central Europe. Headquartered in Ostrava, the company operates 14 production facilities across five countries and employs approximately 2,800 people.
Kofola’s portfolio includes the iconic Kofola-Cola, which holds nostalgic value for many Czechs and Slovaks, as well as popular brands like Rajec (mineral water), Vinea (grape soda), and Semtex (energy drink). The company also owns breweries such as Holba, Zubr, and Litovel, as well as the smoothie chain UGO.
In the first three quarters of 2024, Kofola reported revenues of CZK 8.6 billion (EUR 340 million), marking an increase of CZK 2 billion (EUR 80 million) compared to the same period last year.
Background: Kofola – A Socialist Alternative to Coca-Cola
Kofola’s origins date back to the 1960s when it was created as a socialist alternative to Coca-Cola in the former Czechoslovakia. Its unique flavor comes from a secret syrup known as Kofo, made from 14 natural ingredients, including herbs, fruit extracts, and caramel.
After the fall of socialism in 1989, Kofola faced challenges but was revived under the leadership of the Greek-Czech Samaras family. Today, it is not only a nostalgic brand but also an innovative beverage company that combines regional quality with modern trends.
With the launch of Curiosa and its expanded partnership with Dilmah, Kofola demonstrates its ability to adapt to market demands and drive innovation, solidifying its position as a key player in the European beverage industry.
