Kola Shaler facts for kids
| Type | Cola |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kola Shaler Industrial |
| Country of origin | Nicaragua |
| Introduced | 1904 |
| Related products | Coca-Cola, Pepsi |
Kola Shaler is a popular cola soft drink made in Nicaragua. It was invented by David Robleto Alemán in 1904. Today, a company called Kola Shaler Industrial SA makes the drink in Managua, the capital city. Kola Shaler is known as one of the first and most lasting soft drinks in Nicaragua. It has been popular for a very long time.
History of Kola Shaler
Kola Shaler started in 1904 in León, Nicaragua. David Robleto Alemán, who created the drink, chose the name "Shaler." He wanted a name that sounded like popular drinks from other countries, like those from England or Germany. He thought names that sounded more international would help his drink compete better.
In 1925, Kola Shaler moved its production to Managua. The first factory in Managua survived an earthquake in 1931. However, a much bigger earthquake in 1972 destroyed most of the city, including the factory.
After the 1972 earthquake, Aurora Robleto de Cárdenas, who was the daughter of the founder, worked with her husband. They saved the parts of the machinery that were not damaged. Then, they built a new factory in the eastern part of Managua. As of 2025, this factory is still making Kola Shaler drinks.
In July 2022, the Mayor of Managua, Reyna Rueda, officially recognized the Kola Shaler factory as an important historic business. The ingredients for Kola Shaler are brought in from England. The recipe for the drink has stayed the same since 2004.
Why Kola Shaler is Special
In 2004, the Kola Shaler brand celebrated 100 years of making drinks. A newspaper in Nicaragua, La Prensa, wrote about the brand's long history. They mentioned that Kola Shaler had survived many challenges. These included two major earthquakes, times of conflict, and strong competition from big international soft drink companies.
Many people believe that Kola Shaler's success comes from people feeling a special connection to it. They remember it from their childhood. This is especially true for Nicaraguans living in places like Florida and California.
Kola Shaler is sometimes called "the other national drink of Nicaragua." The main national drinks are Pinol and Pinolillo, which are traditional corn-based drinks.
