Islamic cola firm loses its fizz

The company launched a range of soft drinks

An Islamic cola company that was launched as an alternative to multinational drinks firms has gone into receivership.

Derby-based Qibla Cola Company was set up in 2003, promising to donate 10% of its profits to charity.

It followed the overseas success of Zamzam Cola, an Iranian-made drink named after a holy spring in Mecca, and France's Mecca Cola.

But bosses said it had been affected by bottling and distribution problems.

The company launched a range of soft drinks.

Earlier this year it signed an agreement to distribute its products in Libya.

They were also sold in Canada, Netherlands, Norway and Pakistan.