Coca-Cola loses ground to local rival as Mideast war shifts Palestinian demand

ABC News - Feb 25th, 2025
Open on ABC News

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Chat Cola's popularity has surged as Palestinian consumers boycott Coca-Cola in protest of America's support for Israel during its war with Hamas in Gaza. This movement is part of a broader Palestinian-led boycott targeting companies perceived as supportive of Israel. Chat Cola, resembling Coca-Cola in design, has become a symbol of resistance, with sales rising over 40% in the last year. Its increased market presence has led to the closure of some American fast-food chains and represents a significant shift in consumer behavior in the region.

The boycott reflects a rising political consciousness among Palestinians, further fueled by geopolitical tensions and statements from international leaders like Donald Trump. While Chat Cola capitalizes on nationalist sentiments, it also faces challenges due to Israeli control over trade and imports. Despite these obstacles, Chat Cola is expanding its production and aiming for international markets, highlighting the complexities of economic resistance under occupation. Critics argue that such boycotts exacerbate tensions, yet for many Palestinians, the movement is a critical expression of solidarity and self-reliance.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling narrative about the rise of Chat Cola in the West Bank amid a broader boycott of American products. It effectively captures the intersection of consumer behavior and political activism, making it a timely and relevant story. The article's strengths lie in its clear structure, engaging anecdotes, and focus on a current issue of public interest. However, it could benefit from more precise data and a wider range of perspectives to enhance accuracy and balance. Overall, the story is well-written and informative, offering valuable insights into the economic and political dynamics of the region.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with available data, such as the surge in Chat Cola's popularity in the West Bank due to the boycott of American products. It accurately reflects the broader boycott movement against American brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Starbucks in the Middle East. However, the story lacks precise market share data to fully substantiate claims about Chat Cola's dominance over Coca-Cola in the region. Additionally, while the article mentions the closure of KFC branches in Ramallah, it does not provide specific evidence or data to confirm this claim. The article could improve accuracy by including more detailed economic data and statistics to support its assertions.

6
Balance

The article attempts to provide a balanced view by including perspectives from both Chat Cola and Coca-Cola representatives. It also mentions the impact of the boycott on Palestinian workers at Coca-Cola's franchise, which adds depth to the narrative. However, the story primarily focuses on the success of Chat Cola and the boycott movement, potentially overshadowing the broader economic and political context. The inclusion of more diverse viewpoints, such as consumers or independent analysts, would enhance the balance by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative. It effectively uses quotes and anecdotes to illustrate key points, making the story engaging and accessible. The language is straightforward and neutral, avoiding overly technical jargon or biased language. However, the inclusion of more specific data or statistics could enhance clarity by providing concrete evidence to support the claims made. Overall, the article presents its information in a manner that is easy to understand for a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article cites statements from key stakeholders, such as Chat Cola's general manager and the head of the Ramallah Chamber of Commerce, which adds credibility to the narrative. However, it lacks references to independent or third-party sources that could provide additional verification of the claims made. The reliance on company representatives and anecdotal evidence may introduce bias, as these sources have a vested interest in promoting their perspectives. Incorporating data from independent market research or economic analysts would improve the overall source quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the political and economic circumstances in the West Bank, such as the impact of Israeli security controls and the import tax on raw materials. However, it does not fully disclose the methodology behind the claims, such as how sales figures and market share were determined. The lack of detailed data or explanations about the sources of these claims limits transparency. Greater transparency could be achieved by explaining the basis for sales figures and market trends, as well as acknowledging any potential conflicts of interest among sources.

Sources

  1. https://english.aawsat.com/varieties/5115765-anti-us-sentiment-bubbling-west-bank-bolsters-demand-local-coke-alternative%C2%A0
  2. https://fortune.com/2025/02/25/palestinians-drop-coca-cola-local-alternative-chat-us-support-for-israel/
  3. https://www.coca-cola.com/pk/en/about-us/faq/does-coca-cola-have-a-factory-in-palestine
  4. https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/coca-cola-system/national-beverage-company
  5. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-investment-climate-statements/west-bank-and-gaza/