Kinnie, the bittersweet beverage dubbed ‘Malta’s own favourite soft drink’, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Its story goes back to just after World War II as the Maltese were settling down after the ravages of the war. The economy was gearing up, offering more jobs and stability, and the standard of living slowly started to improve after nearly two decades of economic depression. The Maltese consumer began to yearn for new lifestyle experiences and local entrepreneurs were quick to address these needs. Anthony Miceli Farrugia, better known as is-Sur Ninì, former managing director and chairperson of Simonds Farsons Cisk and the brains behind Kinnie. This is when the late Anthony Miceli Farrugia, or is-Sur Ninì, as he was better known, conceived an idea to develop a non-alcoholic beverage with its own distinct character that tasted different to any of the American colas that had started flourishing in the local market at the time. He was convinced that the Maltese people, as those in other Mediterranean countries, would prefer a less sweet taste to the sweet and neutral ones offered by the colas of the time. The result was Kinnie, a bittersweet, non-alcoholic amber-coloured...