What you need to know about the Algerian drink brand Hamoud Boualem?

Since the 19th century, the streets of Algiers have been filled with the gentle chirping of Hamoud Boualem bottles. Like a guardian of time, this emblematic brand has stood the test of time, conflict and generation. It embodies much more than just a drink, because it remains the reflection of a proud, resilient and passionate Algeria. Discover here the history of this brand whose products have conquered hearts and palates.

What are theorigins of Hamoud Boualem?

The origins of the Hamoud Boualem brand date back to 1848. In that year, Youssef Hamoud joined a sparkling water manufacturing plant in his homeland as a labourer, and left with some knowledge and skills. He was content with this and 3 years later opened his own small workshop in Belcourt (now Belouizdad) and began to create his own lemonade. The young entrepreneur then headed for Marseilles, where he learned production and bottling techniques.

On his return to France in 1878, he built his first company, which mainly produced sparkling water. His ambitions were so great that he joined forces with Revest in 1863 to produce liqueurs only, and then added a distillery to his first factory. The J. Hamoud brand thus became the Hamoud fils et Revest company on 19 June 1884. It specialised in the production of wines, liqueurs, lemonade, spirits and sparkling water. The name Hamoud (for lemonade) was registered in August 1889.

What can we learn from the commercial development of this brand until its nationalisation?

Hamoud Boualem (Youssef's grandson) and one of his relatives gave the name Hamoud Boualem to the company and registered it in 1921 in order to take off again. Unfortunately, the allies of the Second World War entered into implicit competition with the brand as soon as they landed in Algeria.

The company diversified into pasta and ironmongery to keep its workers busy during the slack periods in drinks production. It collapsed in 1947 and was taken over by an association of banks before being bought out four years later. This was the work of two of Boualem Hamoud's children. The involvement of their teams during the Algerian War of Independence led to the nationalisation of the pasta part of the company.

What Hamoud Boualem went through from 2010 to its new structure!

In 2010, Hamoud Boualem began acquiring shares in a fruit juice company alongside private investors. It is diversifying into bottled water, deploying a unified industrial approach and establishing quality standards applied to all sites.

These initiatives are designed to raise the company's management practices to the highest levels of planning and execution. It should be noted that this period also marked the redesign of the company's visual identity , which was then reorganised around three areas: soft drinks, juices and waters. A major investment programme was then launched in 2011, with the aim of gradually transferring soft drinks production to a new plant by the first quarter of 2015.

What are the brand's most famous soft drinks?

There are essentially 2 soft drinks that have become famous among Hamoud Boualem brand products.

Hamoud la Gazouz Blanche

Hamoud la Gazouz Blanche is the lemonade that Hamoud Boualem presented at the 1889 Universal Exhibition. Its refreshing flavour, slightly sweet taste and unique character have been passed down through the generations to the delight of many. As for the ingredients, this drink is made from water, sugar, natural lemon flavouring and certain food additives.

Selecto

Created in 1873 in Algeria and originally called Victoria, the drink was renamed Selecto Soda by Hamoud Boualem. The purpose of this change is to reflect the meticulous choice of ingredients used in its manufacture. The drink also has a radically different taste.

Its success in Algeria has facilitated its export to France, the UK and Canada. The Algerian company Parot has also produced and introduced variants such as Selecto with apple and Selecto with lemon in France. The success of this product is undeniable.