Barry Callebaut on Ukrainian list of “war sponsors”
Published: Friday, Jan 19th 2024, 12:10
Back to Live Feed
Chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut has been targeted by the Ukrainian authorities due to its activities in Russia. It has been placed on the list of "international war sponsors" by the local corruption agency.
The authorities accuse the Zurich-based company of maintaining its activities (3 factories) in the Russian Federation and thus helping to finance the war effort. In addition, a confectionery factory is alleged to have been supplied "under the guise of basic supplies", whose chocolate was part of the rations of the Russian armed forces.
According to the agency, Barry Callebaut transported goods worth 94 million US dollars to Russia last year, which would be three times as much as in 2022. "Barry Callebaut continues to actively support the Russian economy and thus sponsors aggression against Ukraine," the agency said.
Barry Callebaut did not comment specifically on the allegations, but told the news agency AWP: "We condemn all war activities and share the serious concerns that the war in Ukraine has caused worldwide." In all its activities, the company "strictly adheres to all international sanctions and regulations". In response to the Russian attack, all new investments in Russia have therefore been suspended and activities in this market have been adjusted.
Barry Callebaut is not alone on the list of war sponsors. Nestlé and other consumer goods giants such as Mars, PepsiCo, Mondelez and Unilever are also on the list.
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic