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Hamoud Boualem (Arabic: حمود بوعلام) is an Algerian soft drink manufacturing company, producing fizzy drinks popular in Algeria and exported to France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Founded in 1878 with its first factory in the Belcourt neighborhood of Algiers, it is among the country's oldest companies.[1] Its products include sodas such as "Selecto", "Hamoud", "Slim" (in various flavors), and various flavors of syrup. Its head offices are located at in central Algiers.

Hamoud Boualem
IndustryBeverages
Founded1848; 176 years ago (1848)
FounderBoualem Hamoud
Headquarters
BrandsSelecto, Slim, Dhaya, Alma, Gazouz blanche, Cola
Total assets900
SubsidiariesLion in Boufarik

Dhaya in Sidi Bel Abbès

Alma in Ouzellaguen
Websitehttps://www.hamoud-boualem.com

History

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Youssef Hammoud, flavour distiller by profession, settled in the suburbs of Belcourt and created the lemonade La Royale, ancestor of the emblematic Hamoud la Blanche. La Royale, made from hand-selected lemon essence, won a gold medal, classified Hors concours, at the Paris World Fair in 1889. It later received several gold and silver medals. In 1907, they added Victoria, a brownish apple and caramel flavor. This drink, known today as SELECTO, is part of the Algerian identity heritage.[2]

In 1920, Boualem Hammoud, Youssef's grandson, registered the trademark and changed the name of the company from Hamoud & Sons to Hamoud Boualem & Cie. That year, the company moved to Hassiba Ben Bouali Street,[1] now the company's headquarters. Later, Hamoud Boualem launched a lemon drink under the Slim label with the slogan "Slim, le citron qui prime."[clarification needed] Today, the Slim brand has five flavors (lemon, orange, green apple, pineapple and bitter).

The Hamoud and Hafiz families merged, and the company became an LLC.[3] In 2003, Hamoud Boualem modernized its installations and launched the PET format which completes its range of returnable glass. The company is increasingly opening up to the export market. It inaugurated its new factory in Boufarik (wilaya of Blida) in order to increase its production capacity and meet increasing demand.[4]

The Can was launched in 2017, bringing a breath of freshness and dynamism to this over 100-year-old brand. In 2018, Hamoud Boualem launched Lim ON, its new range of drinks with carbonated fruit juices, available in three flavors: Citrus, Orange pulp and Mojito. In 2020, the PET was launched in 33cl and 1L capacity.

Products

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Hamoud Boualem offers a diverse range of soft drinks that have become staples in Algerian households and beyond. Some of the company's most popular products include:

  • Selecto: A refreshing lemon-lime soda that has been a beloved choice for generations.[5]
  • Hamoud: A classic cola drink that competes with international brands.[6]
  • Slim: Available in a variety of fruit flavors, Slim offers a lighter and sweeter alternative to traditional sodas.[7]
  • Lim ON: A newer addition to the Hamoud Boualem family, Lim ON is a range of carbonated fruit juice beverages offering a mix of sweetness and refreshment.

Cultural Impact

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Hamoud Boualem has become synonymous with Algerian culture and is often associated with nostalgia and tradition. The company's products hold a special place in the hearts of many Algerians, evoking memories of childhood and family gatherings.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Hamoud Boualem: Algerian soft drink company that kept Coca-Cola and PepsiCo at bay". 28 February 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  2. ^ Mansari, Kamel (3 April 2024). "Exposition « D'Art el Gazouz » : L'héritage de Hamoud Boualem revisité". Le Jeune Indépendant (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Algérie : l'incroyable saga de Hamoud Boualem, fabricant du Selecto - Jeune Afrique.com". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  4. ^ "HAMOUD BOUALEM". Pages Maghreb (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Selecto, un goût unique et inimitable". Hamoud Boualem (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Hamoud La Blanche, la boisson citronnée incontournable". Hamoud Boualem (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Slim". Hamoud Boualem. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  8. ^ Mediapart, La rédaction de (13 July 2024). "Sodas du peuple". Mediapart (in French). Retrieved 13 July 2024.
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