Sodastream says it would welcome fresh competition in the Australian market following the demise of local rival SodaKING.

SodaKING is an Australian competitor to Israeli-headquartered global sparking water company Sodastream, but was placed into administration in June.

The Australian reported the company was still trading with the administrators looking how to keep it afloat. “We are continuing to trade the business whilst urgently seeking parties looking to acquire or recapitalise Soda King,’’ the administrators told The Australian.

In an interview while visiting Australia, Sodastream CEO Eyal Shohat said there was potential for growth in the local market. He lamented SodaKING’s position, telling the Sydney Morning Herald that competition is “the greatest form of flattery”.

The Israeli company has thrived in one of the world’s difficult business environments. In 2021 Shohat told Calcalist the company decided that “every product would be imprinted with the Israeli flag and the text ‘made by Arabs and Jews working together in harmony.’”

“Just last week, we had a large Iftar celebratory meal signifying the end of the Ramadan holiday. In our facilities in Lehavim, there is a synagogue and a mosque, because we embrace freedom of religion. Our secret is to respect one another, it’s part of our company’s DNA. Our managers treat everyone like human beings.”

The popularity of the carbonated water/seltzer drinks has seen traditional brands enter the market such as Bubly owned by PepsiCo and Schweppes with a recent range of flavoured sparkling waters.