Mars continues to do ‘essential’ business in Russia despite Ukraine invasion
MARS is still trading in Russia despite the war in Ukraine, with the chocolate giant saying it plays an "essential role" in the country.
The firm, which owns brands including Mars, Snickers, Skittles, Ben's Original and Dolmio, will continue to sell its products in Russia.
Many Western consumer brands including McDonalds, Coca-Cola and Starbucks have pulled out of the country over its invasion of Ukraine.
Mars said it has "essential role in feeding the Russia people" as well as pets, as it also makes animal food brands Whiskas and Pedigree.
Profits from the Russian business "will be used for humanitarian causes".
In a statement the company said: "We have decided to scale back our business and will refocus our efforts in Russia on our essential role in feeding the Russian people and pets."
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The company said it will continue to support its 6,000 employees in Russia, but has suspended all new investments in the country.
It won't import or export products to or from Russia, and has paused all advertising activity there and in Belarus.
Other Western chocolate and drinks brands have also carried on trading in Russia despite the war, including Cadbury's owner Mondelez, rival Nestle and Pepsi.
Mondelez, which also owns Philadelphia and Ritz, said it has scaled back all "non-essential activities" in the country.
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But it added it is "helping maintain continuity of the food supply during the challenging times ahead".
Pepsico has suspended the sale of Pepsi and 7Up in Russia, but will continue to offer other produces including milk, baby formula and baby food.
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Nestle has also stopped importing and exporting non-essential food items.
Those companies have also suspended all investment in Russia due to the war.
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