Popular Maltese beverage Kinnie, produced by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Kinnie was launched on the local market in 1952 by Farsons, and since then it has evolved to become “one of Malta’s leading and much-loved brands,” even being dubbed “Malta’s own favourite soft drink”.

The beverage was conceptualised by former Farsons Chairman and Managing Director, the late Anthony Miceli Farrugia, better known as is-Sur Ninì.

Kinnie was developed as a way of responding to the entry of numerous international brands within the local market in post-war Malta, with it being different given that the ones introduced were mainly cola flavoured.

The beverage’s recipe is still a secret, with Simonds Farsons Cisk saying it is made up of “all-natural essences extracted from oranges and a blend of aromatic and exotic herbs” that continue to enhance its original flavour along with its golden amber colour.

“When we launched Kinnie in 1952, we had no intention of coming into the market with a soft drink which tasted like any of the renowned international beverages,” Mr Miceli Farrugia had said about the beverage.

“Our new drink had to posses a distinctive character, so as to identify it from the competition,” he added.

Despite the several imitations that Kinnie has inspired throughout the years, a key part of its brand’s development was to remain “different” and “original”, allowing it to remain competitive against some of the largest soft drink brands in the world.

Over the years, the Kinnie portfolio has been extended to include two variants, named Diet Kinnie and Kinnie Zest, along with alcoholic aperitivo Kinnie Spritz.

Diet Kinnie, the low-calorie version of the drink, was launched in 1984, while Kinnie Zest, a sugar-free variant with an extra orange flavour, was launched in 2007, targeting “a younger generation of new consumers”.

Kinnie Spirtz, a four per cent ABV alcoholic aperitivo version of the beverage, was launched in 2021, with this including a mix of natural bitters and botanicals with Italian sparkling white wine.

Kinnie has a key role within Farsons’ overall strategy for future growth, with it being significant particularly in terms of exports, as it is already available in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, along with non-European countries like Canada and Australia.

Farsons Head of Sales and Marketing Susan Weenink Camilleri commented on the anniversary, saying “The story of Kinnie is as unique as is its distinctive taste and flavour and celebrating a 70th anniversary is a huge milestone for any brand.”

“We have a number of initiatives, promotions and activities lined up for the weeks and months ahead marking this special occasion,” she added.

She concluded by saying that Farsons has also “commissioned a set of original illustrations that will be featuring widely across the celebratory campaign, including limited edition packaging and advertising.”

Kinnie is produced, marketed, and distributed by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, which is a member of The Farsons Group.