The world number two in spirits had suspended its exports after the invasion of Ukraine. He had, however, maintained his activities in Russia for several months relying on his stocks.
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Suspended shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, exports of the Swedish brand of vodka Absolut to Russia resumed at the end of 2022, confirmed on Wednesday April 12 a spokesman for its owner, the spirits group Pernod Ricard. The world number two in spirits had maintained its activities in Russia for several months by counting on its stocks. Exports picked up in the last quarter of 2022 as stocks ran out.
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In Sweden, several politicians, including the right-wing majority, were moved by the decision of the French group, owner of the flagship of Swedish alcohol. MPs from all sides have denounced a “moral collapse” or ironic about a choice “Absolutely Putin”. Pernod Ricard states that it has “severely reduced its exports to Russia to protect its local teams while ensuring the economic viability of its distribution subsidiary”.
The company claims that maintaining its business in Russia has allowed it to avoid accusations of “intentional bankruptcy” and of “protect its teams from any liability” criminal in this sense in this country. He also recalls that he has suspended his marketing investments in Russia.