Russia-Ukraine war: PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Starbucks suspends sales in Russia
Russia-Ukraine war: As the fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues to Day 14, four major American corporations, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Starbucks have announced plans to suspend their operations in Russia over Moscow's invasion of Kiev.
PepsiCo has halted sales of its drinks as well as advertising in Russia but will continue to sell baby food, according to a statement issued by the company's CEO Ramon Laguarta on Tuesday.
"We are announcing the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola, and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda. We will also be suspending capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia," the company's statement read.
"We have a responsibility to continue to offer our other products in Russia, including daily essentials such as milk and other dairy offerings, baby formula and baby food. By continuing to operate, we will also continue to support the livelihoods of our 20,000 Russian associates and the 40,000 Russian agricultural workers in our supply chain as they face significant challenges and uncertainty ahead," it added.
Pepsi has sold its products in Russia for more than sixty years, even when the brand had to trade its soda concentrate for Stolichnaya vodka and warships.
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McDonald's, the American multinational fast-food giant, has also said in a statement on March 8 that it will temporarily close all of its 850 outlets in Russia. The fast-food giant has also declared that it will continue to pay the salary of the 62,000 Russian workers affected by the closure.
As per the official statement from CEO Chris Kempczinski to McDonald’s employees and franchisees, “The conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people. As a System, we join the world in condemning aggression and violence and praying for peace,” the official statement from CEO Chris Kempczinski to McDonald’s employees and franchisees read.
Meanwhile, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson has said that the coffee company will halt its operations in Russia. According to Johnson, the American multinational coffeehouse company has decided to cease operations at its 130 outlets that are owned and operated by licenced partners. Starbucks has also spoken out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, Coca-Cola, a multinational beverage corporation, has declared that it will halt operations in Russia. “Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine," the soft drink behemoth said in a brief statement. The corporation stated that it will continue to monitor and analyse the situation as events unfold.
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-PTC News
