Ukrainian retail chains remove Coca-Cola products from sale due to its continued operation in Russia
Ukrainian retail chains withdraw from sale the products of the American company Coca-Cola Co. due to the continuation of its work in the market of the Russian Federation.
Thus, the chains stop selling Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes carbonated drinks, BonAqua mineral water, FuzeTea iced tea, Rich juices, Monster Energy Drink and Burn energy drinks.
"Our supermarket chain no longer cooperates with the Coca-Cola company, which continues to operate in the territory of the aggressor. We are abandoning all products belonging to the brand," the Novus supermarket chain posted on Facebook on Friday.
The Varus chain also announced the termination of the sale of Coca-Cola products.
"We made this decision, taking into account the official position of the Coca-Cola company to continue its activities in the market of the aggressor country," Varus said.
Fozzy Group also refused to sell Coca-Cola products and condemned the company's decision to continue operating in the Russian Federation.
"From today, we are removing all products from the shelves of Silpo, Fora, FOZZY Cash&Carry, Market super Thrash (Thrash) stores and stop all future deliveries," the company's press service told Interfax-Ukraine.
QuirkyQuarQ on March 5th, 2022 at 12:55 UTC »
This is a little complicated: Coca Cola US does NOT control the manufacturing, distribution or sale of beverages in Russia. This is handled by franchisee Coca Cola HBC, a Swiss company that has rights for Austria, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Switzerland, Russia, about 20 other countries in Eastern Europe, Nigeria and Egypt.
Coke US does own 23% of Coke HBC and, of course, supplies the 'secret syrup' components to make the beverages. Shutting down this supply isn't possible because of the remaining 28 countries Coke HBC supplies.
Coke HBC is also a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange. I suspect pressure from Switzerland and/or UK and Coke US headquarters will get Coke HBC to suspend sales in Russia within the next few days.
ETA: This article from two days before the invasion says Coca Cola HBC is ready for all war contingencies, including "stockpiling ingredients" and "alternative sourcing of raw materials." Russia+Ukraine makes up 20% of Coke HBC's sales.
Makemeannonymous on March 5th, 2022 at 11:11 UTC »
If Ronaldo can put aside Coca-Cola and make their market drop, you can as well :).
April_Fabb on March 5th, 2022 at 09:42 UTC »
I’d rather see everyone else refusing to buy coke. It’s a terrible company anyway.