companies remain controversial in Russia Business

Unilever – stay

The consumer goods giant behind Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise has suspended imports and exports from Russia but continues to sell locally made “everyday essentials” there.

Unilever, which claims to put “purpose before profit”, has facilities in Moscow, Omsk, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Tula.

Ben & Jerry’s, which sparked a backlash for halting sales to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, has been virtually silent on Ukraine – only blaming the US for “fanning the flames of war”.

Imperial Marks – in progress

Imperial Brands has become the first major tobacco company to join the exodus from Russia, saying it has “suspended all operations there”, including sales and production at a factory in Volgograd, formerly known as name of Stalingrad.

The company said its decision was due to “the very difficult environment in Russia due to international sanctions and the resulting severe disruption”.

Danone – stay

Danone, the world’s largest yogurt maker, has pledged not to make any new investments in Russia but continues to sell dairy products, water and baby food there.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique, the CEO, justified this position by saying that his company had a “responsibility towards the people we feed, the farmers who supply us with milk and the tens of thousands of people who depend on us”.

Coca-Cola – go

Long one of the most tenacious champions of consumption, Coca-Cola has suspended operations in Russia.

In a statement, the company said, “Our hearts are with those who are experiencing the unconscionable effects of these tragic events in Ukraine.”

Rival Pepsico said it would continue to operate but only sell “essentials” such as milk and baby formula.