Kinnie has been The Mediterranean Classic since 1952, and what a journey it’s been so far! We’ve seen a lot happen throughout the years and Kinnie has always been by your side.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most notable moments that have come and gone.
Kinnie Zero is born! A zero-sugar variant of Kinnie with 100% of that classic flavour, Farsons launched Kinnie Zero to much delight just in time for the Maltese summer.
KINNIE ROCKS! Forever young and always a classic, Kinnie turns 70 in 2022! Sporting vibrant and original illustrations on limited edition packaging, Kinnie is looking younger than ever and there’s certainly no retirement on the horizon with exciting promotions and future plans in the works! Kinnie – Celebrating Since 1952
Malta’s much-loved soft drink ventures into new and exciting adult territory with the launch of Kinnie Spritz, the new 4% ABV alcoholic aperitivo. Blended with a unique mix of natural bitters and botanicals and Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto region, Kinnie Spritz has been created as a ‘Ready to Drink’ light alcoholic aperitivo and is set to offer a whole new aperitivo experience. Following years of in-house research and development, Kinnie Spritz has a distinct retro look and is launched exclusively in the bespoke 25cl glass bottle and a newly commissioned 4-pack format for the retail segment, setting it apart from its non-alcoholic classic range. Fun fact! 2021 will mark an unprecedented year for palindrome dates. According to the Farmers' Almanac, 2021 will have a total of 22 palindrome dates, which are dates that read the same forwards and backward in four, five, and six-digit formats.
Throughout the years since its launch in 1952, Kinnie’s brand identity was refreshed and updated in order to ensure that the brand remained in tune and relevant to changing consumer trends. In 2018 a new brand identity was launched, focusing on the core key values of the brand and enhancing its positioning as The Mediterranean Classic Since 1952.
Fun fact! Valletta is crowned the new European Capital of Culture for the year!
To mark its 60th anniversary, Kinnie celebrated with a reception and a fireworks show overlooking Malta's magnificent Grand Harbour. Guests on the night included the Prime Minister of Malta at the time.
Fun fact! In 2012 Curiosity landed on Mars for the start of its mission.
The success of Kinnie's trial in London the previous year led to Kinnie becoming available on the amazon.co.uk store quickly climbing to the top of the leader boards as one of the most purchased beverages from this online platform.
Fun fact! Wikipedia celebrated its 10th birthday this year.
Kinnie became available in nearly 100 outlets in London's West End as part of an initial soft launch in the UK
Fun fact! This year saw the launch of Instagram.
Monopoly's international success has made it one of the most popular board games in the world. When a Maltese version was proposed it was only natural that Kinnie sponsored this. Fun fact! According to the United Nations, this was the 'Year of the Potato'.
The popularity of Diet Kinnie opened up the road to Kinnie Zest, a one-calorie variant with an enhanced orange flavour and no sugar. In this same year, Kinnie was featured in the Italian press, including a report in the December issue of Panorama, a leading Italian magazine.
Fun fact! The first modern smartphone, the iPhone, was released this year.
The 1980s brought fashion, style, and dieting to the forefront. Always attentive to changing trends and consumer preferences, Farsons launched Diet Kinnie, a no sugar alternative of the much-loved mother brand. Although a product of its time, Diet Kinnie remains a popular variant in the Kinnie portfolio.
Fun fact! The internet was one year old this year.
Twenty three years after its introduction on the market, Kinnie was awarded the Epi d'Or de la Qualite Internationale trophy. This award ranked Kinnie as the best drink of the year by the International Committee for Gastronomic and Touristic Action.
Fun fact! The band Queen released Bohemian Rhapsody this year.
Following the Second World War, new soft drink brands started being imported into Malta. The late Anthony 'Sur-Nini' Miceli Farrugia, a former Farsons chairman and managing director, developed a drink that would be distinctly Mediterranean and would stand out in the then predominantly cola market. Kinnie, with its bitter orange taste, was launched in 1952 as direct competition. Fun fact! In 1952 Queen Elizabeth II was named Woman of the Year by Time Magazine.