Soda Drinks in Afghanistan: The Rise of CAM Corporation in the 1970s
Soda drinks, including global brands like Coca-Cola and Fanta, were introduced to Afghanistan in the early 1970s by CAM Corporation, the first company to establish a soft drink manufacturing plant in the country. This moment marked a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s beverage industry, and the introduction of these popular drinks had a lasting cultural impact.
As evidenced by an advertisement in Kabul Times, dated December 24, 1972, which is included on this page, Fanta was prominently featured as a newly available product in Afghanistan. The ad announces the arrival of Fanta to the Afghan market, signaling the beginning of the soda revolution. Shortly after the establishment of CAM Corporation’s factory, both Coca-Cola and Fanta became widely accessible in stores across Afghanistan, quickly gaining popularity among locals.
CAM Corporation’s factory, which was based in Kabul, not only provided a steady supply of these iconic soft drinks but also became a symbol of modernization and the global influence of Western brands during the 1970s. The factory’s production was a part of the growing consumer culture of the time, which was influenced by both the expanding global trade networks and the increasing local demand for foreign products.
In addition to the historical advertisement, this page also includes several photographs from the 1970s, showing CAM Corporation’s operations during its early years. These images provide a rare glimpse into the manufacturing processes and the thriving business environment of that era in Afghanistan. They also serve as a visual reminder of the country’s more peaceful and prosperous times before the onset of decades of political turmoil.

Additional Notes for Context:
CAM Corporation was an Afghan company that, in collaboration with international beverage companies, set up the first local manufacturing plant for carbonated drinks in Kabul.
Fanta and Coca-Cola were not only popular among Afghan consumers but also became part of the social fabric, often associated with gatherings, celebrations, and modernity in the 1970s.
The photos and advertisement on this page offer a unique historical perspective on Afghanistan’s early relationship with global brands and provide valuable insights into the country’s economic and cultural landscape of the time.