Kofola Original soft drink

Kofola is a specialized carbonated soft drink that stands as a cultural icon in Central Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It was originally created in 1960 by the Czechoslovak Pharmaceutical Research Institute as a domestically produced alternative to Western cola beverages like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The beverage is known for its unique flavor profile, which utilizes Kofo syrup—a blend of 14 herbal and fruit ingredients combined with caffeine and caramel, resulting in a less sweet and more botanical taste than standard colas.

Today, the brand remains one of the most successful regional beverage players, often outselling global competitors in its home markets. Manufacturing is concentrated in the region to maintain the freshness of its herbal ingredients, with major production facilities located in Krnov, Czech Republic, and Rajecká Lesná, Slovakia. The brand's identity is deeply tied to local heritage and nostalgic advertising campaigns.

The brand is currently owned and managed by Kofola ČeskoSlovensko a.s., a publicly traded company headquartered in Ostrava. Under the leadership of the Samaras family since the early 2000s, the company has expanded its portfolio to include various other regional drink brands and healthy food options across Central and Eastern Europe.