Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other well-known brands that are widely available in most nations throughout the world may come to mind when you think about soda. But what about in Cuba and North Korea?
The soda alternatives accessible to the residents of these two nations are very different from those you could find in other countries due to their long-standing, problematic connection with the United States.
We’ll cover the drinks that are sold in North Korea and Cuba in more detail in this article, along with the reasons why well-known American brands like Coca-Cola are not distributed there.
What Soda Do They Drink In North Korea?
There aren’t many drink options in North Korea. The nation’s sole readily accessible soda, according to reports, is a product of the state-owned Korea Ryongbong General Corporation under the brand name “Paektu”. This beverage, which comes in a green bottle, is supposed to be comparable to Sprite.
The company’s name is derived from the highest mountain in the nation, which is also revered in Korean folklore and is rumored to be a source of national pride for North Koreans.
Despite not being the only soda brand sold in North Korea, Paektu is the most widely used and available. Additional products include “Pomhyanggi,” a ginger ale with carbonation, “Sariwon,” and “Pyongyang,” a soda with a cola flavor. In contrast to Paektu, these brands, which are likewise produced by state-owned businesses, are less widely available.
Other consumer goods are likewise subject to the restricted availability of soda in North Korea, which extends beyond carbonated beverages. This is a result of the nation’s tight import and export regulations, which make it challenging for foreign businesses to conduct business there.
Furthermore, the government controls and extensively centralizes the nation’s economy, making it difficult for private enterprises to flourish.
What Soda Is Sold In Cuba?
Cuba, on the other hand, has a wider variety of soda options available. According to reports, the most popular soda in Cuba is called “Ciego Montero,” produced by the state-owned company Ciego Montero S.A. This soda is said to be similar to cola and comes in a red can.
Ciego Montero is the most widely available soda brand in the country and can be found in almost every corner store and restaurant.
In addition to Ciego Montero, there are several other brands of soda available in Cuba. “TuKola” is another cola-flavored soda produced by Ciego Montero, “Tropical” is a lemon-lime soda, and “Casera” is a ginger ale. These brands are also made by state-owned companies and are widely available throughout the country.
Cuba has a more open economy compared to North Korea. However, it is still heavily influenced by the government. The state-owned companies hold a monopoly on the production and distribution of consumer goods, and private enterprise is heavily restricted.
Despite this, soda availability in Cuba is relatively good compared to North Korea, and the variety of options available is also greater.
Why Is Coca-cola Not Sold In North Korea And Cuba?
So why isn’t Coca-Cola sold in these countries? The answer has to do with the political relationship between the United States and North Korea, and Cuba. Because the U.S. has had sanctions against both countries for decades, American companies like Coca-Cola have been unable to do business in these countries.
In the case of North Korea, the U.S. has had a series of sanctions in place against the country since the Korean War, making it difficult for American companies to establish a presence. The sanctions were put in place to restrict the flow of goods, services, and technology to North Korea and to pressure the government to change its behavior.
Cuba has a similar story, where the U.S. has had a trade embargo against the country since the 1960s. The embargo was put in place to restrict the flow of goods and services to Cuba to pressure the government to change its behavior also. The trade embargo has made it difficult for American companies like Coca-Cola to do business in Cuba. As a result, the brand is not widely available on the island.
In recent years, there have been some efforts to improve relations between the U.S. and these countries, but for now, Coca-Cola and other American brands are still not widely available in North Korea and Cuba. This makes it difficult for the citizens of these countries to access popular American brands, and it also limits the growth potential of American companies in these markets.
What Is A Cuban Soda?
When it comes to Cuban soda, it’s not just about quenching your thirst; it’s about experiencing a piece of the local culture. Imagine yourself sitting on a terrace in Old Havana, sipping on a cold Ciego Montero while the rhythm of Cuban music fills the air. It’s a moment that’s hard to beat.
Ciego Montero, the most famous Cuban soda brand, has a long history, and it is considered a cultural icon in the country. The brand is produced by the state-owned company Ciego Montero S.A., and it’s similar to cola. The red can of Ciego Montero is a common sight in corner stores, restaurants, and street vendors all over the island.
It’s a brand that has stood the test of time and has become a symbol of national identity. But Ciego Montero is not the only soda brand available in Cuba. There are several other brands like “TuKola,” which is another cola-flavored soda produced by Ciego Montero, “Tropical” is a lemon-lime soda and “Casera” is a ginger ale.
These brands are also produced by state-owned companies and are widely available throughout the country. Each brand has its unique flavor, and it’s a great way to discover new tastes and explore the local culture.
The North Korean Coke
In this secretive country, the options for soda are pretty limited. But, there is one brand that stands out, and it’s called “Paektu.” This soda, produced by the state-owned Korea Ryongbong General Corporation, is said to be similar to Sprite and comes in a green bottle.
But why is it called “The North Korean Coke”? Well, it’s because of the cola-like flavor that Paektu has, which makes it an easy comparison to the world’s most popular soda, Coca-Cola. Despite the limited availability and the lack of popular brands like Coca-Cola, Paektu is a source of pride for North Koreans
Conclusion
Regarding soda, North Korea and Cuba are two very different places. In North Korea, the options are limited to state-produced brands like Paektu, while in Cuba, several brands are available, including the popular Ciego Montero.
The reason for this difference has to do with the political relationship between the United States and these countries. American companies like Coca-Cola have been unable to do business in these countries because of long-standing sanctions.
Despite the lack of popular American brands, it’s clear that North Koreans and Cubans have found ways to enjoy a cold soda just like the rest of us.
In the end, despite the limited options, it’s clear that the citizens of North Korea and Cuba have found ways to enjoy a cold soda just like the rest of us. And that is something that we can all relate to and cheers to.
