Under public pressure to cut ties with Moscow, Coca-Cola announced it was temporarily ceasing operations in Russia while PepsiCo plans to suspend sales of its drinks but continue to supply food (AFP/Archives /Karen BLEIER)
Under public pressure to cut ties with Moscow, Coca-Cola announced on Tuesday that it was temporarily ceasing its operations in Russia while its competitor PepsiCo plans to suspend the sale of its drinks but to continue to supply food.
Coca-Cola does not give details of its exact activities in Russia, the group only stressing in a brief statement that it will continue “to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve”.
The boss of PepsiCo, Ramon Laguarta, for his part recalled in a message that his company had been present for more than 60 years in Russia.
But “in light of the horrific events in Ukraine, we are announcing the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda,” he said.
The group will also suspend its investments in the country as well as all its advertising campaigns.
Regarding food, however, the group believes it has the “responsibility to continue to offer” its products in the country, including dairy products and baby milk powder.
“As we continue 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,” Laguarta said.
Other major American groups who were accused of delaying their distance from Moscow also announced on Tuesday the suspension of their activities in Russia. McDonald’s in particular announced the closure of its 850 restaurants in the country.
© 2022 AFP
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