Despite economic sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, Russians can still get Absolut vodka. The Swedish brand’s exports to Russia resumed at the end of 2022, a spokesman for its owner, the spirits group Pernod Ricard, confirmed on Wednesday, after press reports that prompted a reaction from Swedish politicians.
Exports to Russia from Pernod Ricard, which only has a distribution business in that country, were suspended shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, a spokesman for the group said. But the world number two in spirits maintained its activities there for several months, relying on its stocks. Then exports resumed in the last quarter of 2022 as stocks ran out, the spokesperson said.
Irony in Sweden on an “Absolutely Poutine” choice
In Sweden, several politicians, including the right-wing majority, were moved by the decision of the French group, owner of the flagship of Swedish alcohol. MPs from all sides denounced a “moral collapse” or were ironic about an “Absolutely Putin” choice.
In a press release, Pernod Ricard specifies for its part that it has “sharply reduced its exports to Russia to protect its local teams while ensuring the economic viability of its distribution subsidiary”, in accordance with Russian laws and with international sanctions against Moscow. . The company claims that maintaining its activity in Russia has enabled it to avoid accusations of “intentional bankruptcy” and to “protect its teams from any criminal liability” in this regard in this country.
The group also cites a change in import regulations in Russia in November 2022, which it says allowed “allowing parallel imports of alcohol without the permission of authorized importers, thereby circumventing sanctions”. It stresses the need, therefore, to control its distribution and import circuits, in particular to avoid possible counterfeits. Pernod Ricard also recalls that it has suspended its marketing investments in Russia and “mobilized all possible resources to support” its teams in Ukraine.