Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1468438
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 MAY 2022 14 COMMERCIAL Kinnie, Malta's national treasure, celebrates 70th anniversary FOREVER young and always a classic, Kinnie, the iconic bever- age dubbed Malta's own favour- ite soft drink, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Ever since its launch on the lo- cal market in 1952 by Simonds Farsons Cisk, Kinnie has always set out to be different from oth- er beverages and over the past 70 years the unique and un- rivalled bittersweet soft drink has evolved to become one of Malta's leading and much-loved brands. Its recipe remains a close- ly guarded secret and is drawn from all-natural essences ex- tracted from oranges and a blend of aromatic and exotic herbs to enhance the beverage's original flavour and golden am- ber colour. Kinnie was the brainchild of former Chairman and Managing Director of Farsons, the late An- thony Miceli Farrugia, or is-Sur Ninì as he was better known. The beverage was developed as a response to the entry of a number of international brands, mainly cola-flavoured, that were being introduced into post-war Malta. In Sur Ninì's own words, "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. Our new drink had to possess a distinctive character, so as to identify it from the com- petition." In spite of the many imitations that Kinnie has inspired over the years, being different and origi- nal was always key to the brand's development and Kinnie has continued to retain its appeal, successfully competing against the world's largest global soft drink brands. The Kinnie portfolio has been extended over the years and now includes two variants: Di- et Kinnie, a low-calorie version launched in 1984; and Kinnie Zest, a sugar-free, extra orange flavour variant that appeals to a younger generation of new con- sumers, launched in 2007. In ad- dition, 2021 saw the hugely suc- cessful launch of Kinnie Spritz, a 4% ABV alcoholic aperitivo. Blended with a unique mix of natural bitters and botanicals and Italian sparkling white wine, Kinnie Spritz builds on Kinnie's inherent mixability and classic bittersweet flavour. Kinnie plays a key role in Far- sons' overall strategy for future growth and is significant par- ticularly to the exports area. Already available across Europe in countries such as the UK, Po- land, France, Germany, Czech Republic and The Netherlands amongst others, Kinnie is also available further afield in Cana- da and Australia. Susan Weenink Camilleri, Head of Sales and Marketing, commented, "The story of Kin- nie is as unique as is its distinc- tive taste and flavour and cele- brating 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 oc- casion. We have also commis- sioned a set of original illustra- tions that will be featured widely across the celebratory campaign, including limited-edition pack- aging and advertising." Kinnie is produced, marketed and distributed by Simonds Far- sons Cisk plc, a member of The Farsons Group. Inspire Foundation offers eight-week programme to Ukrainian refugees "IN wartime, the most vulner- able members of societ y are often faced with a dispropor- tionate deal of suffering and require even more help" said Anastasiya Gorodnicha from Inspire Foundation Malta. Within this context, Inspire Foundation Malta has taken the initiative to offer an eight- week programme to families of children arriving in Malta from Ukraine in the wake of the current war they are es- caping from. "Inspire's mission to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of society, knows no nationality, colour or creed" Anastasiya continued. "That is why we de- cided to offer this programme, free of charge, to these ref- ugees and their families" In- spire appeals to all fleeing the Ukraine war, and who require assistance especially in the ar- ea of disability, to get in touch for support by filling the form here: www.shorturl.at/aCF57. Inspire believes that everyone has a right to equality and in- clusion. Inspire's mission in fact is to do everything in its power to help anyone with a disability achieve this. This is done by providing individuals and their families with educa- tional, therapeutic and leisure services. In order to facilitate this assistance, Inspire has al- so launched an information survey which it has distrib- uted amongst the Ukrainian community in Malta, to better understand the needs of these families. For more information about how Inspire makes a difference to hundreds of persons with disability and their families every day, visit https://inspire. org.mt/ Within this context, Inspire Foundation Malta has taken the initiative to offer an eight-week programme to families of children arriving in Malta from Ukraine in the wake of the current war they are escaping from.