Russian vodka in spotlight after invasion of Ukraine
Calls for boycotts of Russian vodka following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen product removed from many shelves around the world and prompted Stoli Group to clarify that it has no operations in Russia.
In the US, some state-run liquor stores have been ordered to stop selling Russian-made vodka and distilled spirits, while some private businesses are following suit.
In New Zealand, the West Auckland Trusts, which owns 26 retail stores as well as hospitality venues throughout the region, has stopped selling Russian-made products.
The ban includes those brands with Russia as their country of origin and includes: Ivanov, Russian Standard, Russkaya, Kristov Red vodkas, Gorkovskaya Vodka, JJ Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, Royal Bison Vodka, Russkaya Vodka, Baltika Beer and Three Hills Pale Ale beer.
Allan Pollard, Trusts CEO, said the move is a response to Russia raising its nuclear alert level along with a growing groundswell of consumer sentiment, and the empty shelf space instead displays a Ukrainian flag.
International news sites and social media show there has been confusion among consumers as to which vodka brands are made in Russia, and Stoli Group has published a statement on its website condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and clarifying that its Stoli Premium and Elit vodkas are manufactured and bottled in Latvia.
In a statement headed: “Stoli® Group Denounces Russian Aggression”, Damian McKinney, Global CEO of Stoli Group, says it unequivocally condemns the military action in Ukraine and stands in support of the Ukrainian people. He says while the company does not have any operations in Russia, it does in Ukraine and across bordering countries.
“The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners.”
According to the statement, Stoli Premium and Elit vodka are manufactured and bottled in Riga, Latvia. The brand is registered with the US TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) as a Latvian product.
It says the Stoli vodka brands and its owner Yuri Shefler were exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago. “As the Founder of SPI Group of companies, I have personally experienced persecution by the Russian authorities and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people,” said Mr. Shefler.
Vodka brand Smirnoff has also been caught up in the debate. But while it had its origins in Russia, it is now owned by British spirits company Diageo and produced in a range of countries, not including Russia.
