Drinks giant Pernod Ricard is preparing to close its representative office in Russia, Kommersant reported.
“The necessary procedures are underway to cease operating activities and the company has no other plans,” said CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Russian organization Ignaty Arakelyan.
The source said almost the entire team has already left the office, while the remaining employees may leave by the end of August.
Facing backlash from consumers and civil society groups, including Ukrainian Action in Ireland, Help Ukraine Scotland, the Ukraine Solidarity Project and B4Ukraine, spirits group Pernod Ricard in May said it stopped exports of all its international brands — including Beefeater gin and Jameson whisky — to Russia and also plans to cease the distribution of its portfolio of brands to Russia.
We strongly urge Pernod Ricard to stand by its commitment to cease business operations in Russia until the territorial integrity of Ukraine is restored and accountability is imposed for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the destruction of infrastructure.
Pernod Ricard should consider fully exiting Russia so as not to be even indirectly or remotely associated with its crimes.
Pernod Ricard must commit to the enhanced due diligence of their supply chains, intermediaries and partners, to ensure their goods and services do not continue being delivered to Russia without the company’s knowledge or authorisation.
We ask Pernod Ricard to commit to donating any profits made in Russia in the last year to Ukraine. We also urge all businesses to follow Pernod Ricard’s lead.