Saudi Soft-Drink Brand Kinza Eyes Southeast Asia

JAKARTA — Jakartaweekly.com. Kinza, a Saudi soft-drink brand with products now available in 75 markets across five continents, is targeting Southeast Asia as its next major growth market, with Indonesia and Malaysia identified as key markets for its international expansion.

The company will participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur from 23–26 September, where it will seek manufacturing, distribution, retail and foodservice partners to support its expansion across the region.

Kinza sees Indonesia and Malaysia as strategic markets with different opportunities. In Indonesia, the company is exploring local partnerships and potential manufacturing models to build a sustainable route to market. In Malaysia, it is seeking partnerships across manufacturing, distribution, retail and foodservice while developing its presence in the country’s consumer market.

“Kinza was born in Saudi Arabia, and our ambition has never been limited by geography,” said Bandar Okrin, Founder of Kinza. “In a short period, our products have reached 75 markets across five continents. Southeast Asia represents an important next chapter in our international growth, with Malaysia and Indonesia each offering distinct opportunities.”

Rather than relying solely on exports from Saudi Arabia, Kinza is looking to establish local partnerships that can support the brand’s long-term development in Southeast Asia. Potential models include contract manufacturing and industrial partnerships, depending on market conditions, local capabilities and commercial feasibility.

The company said local manufacturing could help reduce supply lead times and logistics costs while allowing it to respond more quickly to consumer demand. Local partners could also support adjustments to product formats, pricing, product mix and marketing based on market-specific requirements.

Manufactured in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kinza has expanded rapidly since its launch and has developed production capabilities serving both domestic and international markets. Its portfolio includes carbonated soft drinks in cola, lemon, orange, citrus, blackcurrant and pomegranate flavours, as well as zero-sugar beverages, soda water and energy drinks.

For Southeast Asia, Kinza sees opportunities for its cola and zero-sugar products, while also planning to introduce consumers to a wider range of flavours. The company said its portfolio will continue to be shaped by consumer feedback and local market experience.

The expansion also builds on Kinza’s international brand-building efforts. Its sports sponsorship portfolio includes its role as Strategic Sponsor of the Spanish Super Cup and French Super Cup, as well as Official Drink of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL). The company said these platforms have helped strengthen its visibility among international sports audiences.

“Our objective is not simply to enter as many markets as possible,” Okrin said. “We want to establish the right partnerships, understand local consumers and meet their preferences, and build the distribution and manufacturing foundations necessary for long-term growth.”

In Indonesia, Kinza plans to explore distribution opportunities across modern retail, independent stores, foodservice and e-commerce, with an emphasis on product taste, affordability and accessibility. The company is also evaluating the most appropriate manufacturing model for the market.

In Malaysia, the company will focus on partnerships across retail chains, convenience stores, foodservice and e-commerce, with its offering adapted to local preferences, including reduced- and zero-sugar options.

Kinza’s broader strategy is to establish Indonesia and Malaysia as potential foundations for expansion into other Southeast Asian markets. The company is also pursuing opportunities across South and Central Asia as it develops its international business.

Through MIHAS 2026, Kinza aims to strengthen commercial relationships in the region and connect with potential partners capable of supporting its manufacturing, distribution and market development plans.

Visitors and prospective partners can meet the Kinza team at Booth F01, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 23–26 September 2026. The company will also host tasting sessions and gather consumer feedback on flavours and formats for Southeast Asian markets.