10th March, 2022
Agency Report
More international brands like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Adidas, Heineken, Asda and Tesco have joined others to boycott Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Heineken announced that it had suspended its operations in Russia in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The Dutch beer-brewing company vowed to immediately stop the production, advertising and sale of its beer in the country.
“We are shocked and saddened to watch the tragedy in Ukraine unfold. We stand with the Ukrainian people and our hearts go out to all those affected. The Russian Government’s war against Ukraine is an unprovoked and completely unjustified attack”, Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink said.
The company, which also owns Amstel and Birra Moretti, said it is now assessing strategic options for the future of its business in Russia.
Meanwhile, Mothercare, a British babywear retailer announced that all its business in Russia has been suspended as of today, which it said would see its global sales drop by up to 25 per cent.
Adidas, announced on Tuesday that it would be closing its Russian stores, but continue to pay its employees – following in the footsteps of rivals Nike and Puma.
‘As a company, we strongly condemn any form of violence and stand in solidarity with those calling for peace,’ an Adidas spokeswoman said.
Uniqlo has also ruled out suspending its operations in Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Other companies that have suspended operations in Russia includes; Zara owner Inditex, Estee Lauder, Spotify, Ikea, Disney and H&M.