Food and drink giants suspend Russian operations

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, McDonald’s and Starbucks have all suspended business in Russia in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said: “Given the horrific events occurring in Ukraine we are announcing the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola, and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda.

“We will also be suspending capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia.

“We have a responsibility to continue to offer our other products in Russia, including daily essentials such as milk and other dairy offerings, baby formula and baby food.”

Rival drinks firm Coca-Cola is also  temporarily halting business in Russia, with a statement saying : “Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine.

“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve.”

It comes after Starbucks announced it was  closing its 130 Starbucks shops in Russia indefinitely.

The coffee chain’s 2,000 employees in Russia will still be paid, he said.

McDonald’s is also to close its 850 restaurants in Russia, with CEO Chris Kempckinski saying the fast food giant could not ignore the “needless human suffering in Ukraine”.

Calls have been mounting for a boycott of companies that continue to do business in Russia, with Burger King and KFC yet to suspend operations.

A number of other companies have ceased operations in Russia as a result of Mr Putin’s actions.

Apple, Microsoft and a number of car manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors are just some of the corporations that have ceased trading there.