PepsiCo, an American multinational food, snack, and beverage giant, has remained in Russia despite the country’s illegal war against Ukraine. PepsiCo produces snacks, soft drinks, and other food products under the brands of Lay’s, Chester’s, Mirinda, Pasta Roni, Pepsi, Sandora, 7Up, Tropicana, and many others. The company is headquartered in Harrison, New York.
Currently, PepsiCo operates 19 manufacturing plants in Russia. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, in 2023, PepsiCo generated $4.2 billion in revenue in Russia, while paying $135 million in profit taxes to Russia’s militarized economy. Additionally, PepsiCo Holdings operates 21 branches in various regions of Russia and has an office in Moscow-controlled Belarus. By September 2022, the company stated they had halted production of Pepsi, 7Up, and Mountain Dew in Russia. These products, however, were simply renamed and still produced and sold within the country – 7Up and Mirinda became Frustyle, while Pepsi became Evervess.
The impact of PepsiCo’s continued presence in Russia is twofold. Firstly, it financially supports a regime that is actively pursuing an unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine and its citizens. Secondly, it taints PepsiCo’s commitment to freedom and peace, undermining the company’s stated values by associating it with a regime that disregards human rights, violates international law, and perpetuates violence and suffering. By continuing to operate in Russia, PepsiCo risks aligning itself with oppressive actions that stand in stark contrast to the ideals of liberty, justice, and global harmony.
Additionally, by continuing production in Russia, PepsiCo appears to be ignoring the Business Advisory on Russia issued in February 2024 by the U.S. State Department, which warns businesses of the “serious legal, financial, and reputational risks” that continuing to conduct business in Russia can have for companies. Among these risks are sanctions, export controls, corruption, and implication in “Russia’s violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, and human rights abuses.”
As consumers and global citizens, we have the power to influence corporate behavior and insist that they align their operations with their professed values.
We call on PepsiCo to immediately cease all operations in Russia and take a clear stance in support of human rights. By signing this petition, you are not only standing in solidarity with Ukrainian citizens but also holding PepsiCo accountable to its purported commitment to freedom, global peace, and human rights.