Mondelez defends itself against criticism of its Russian activities. Fashion chain Esprit closes 23 stores in Switzerland

American food giant Mondelez, owner of brands such as Milka, Oreo and Tuc, is defending itself against criticism of its activities in Russia. “There are no easy decisions, but like most other global food and beverage companies, we continue to provide food during these difficult times.”a company spokeswoman said Wednesday.

“If we were to cease operations completely, we risk leaving our entire business to another group, which could use the entire proceeds for their own interests.” This would mean that part of the food supply would be cut off for many families. Mondelez also justifies the move with reference to its approximately 3,000 employees in Russia.

The company responded to an action by Vitsche, a Ukrainian organization based in Berlin. This week they sent a letter to German retailers Rewe and Edeka. It called on supermarket chains to stop selling Mondelez products until the company withdraws from Russia.

“International companies that continue to operate in Russia are financing and prolonging the war against Ukraine”, the letter says. The organization accuses Mondelez of failing to scale back its Russian activities despite public announcements. The German editorial network had previously reported on the letter.

Various adjustments

Mondelez denies the accusations:

“We are going to further reduce our activities”a spokeswoman said. “Since the beginning of the war, we have condemned this brutal aggression against Ukraine.” Mondelez does not provide company figures on its Russian activities.

When asked by DPA, both retailers stated that they no longer sell food produced in Russia. According to Mondelez, the products sold in Russia are not exported, but exclusively manufactured and distributed locally.

The company is already being criticized elsewhere for its activities in Russia. The Swedish Football Association has suspended cooperation with Mondelez since June 2023. In addition, the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Authority placed the company on a so-called blacklist.

Nestlé is also on this list. In addition, Mondelez’s Swiss competitor is repeatedly criticized from various quarters for continuing to operate in Russia.

Nestlé says it has drastically reduced its product portfolio in Russia “All non-essential imports and exports to and from Russia stopped”. Moreover, Nestlé now produces only essential goods in Russia, i.e. basic food. (rbu/sda/awp/dpa)