Absolut Vodka halts exports to Russia

Sweden’s Absolut Vodka specializing in alcoholic beverage production will stop exporting its products to Russia.

The move comes after a major backlash in its home country, the BBC reports, according to Ukrinform.

The company initially halted the exports in March 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. But its parent company, Pernod Ricard, confirmed that some exports had resumed - which sparked fury.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he was "very surprised" to hear the producer had resumed exports to Russia.

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Many top bars and restaurants in Sweden pulled the drink from their shelves.

Pernod Ricard has now announced they have stopped Absolut Vodka exports again, in order to protect their staff and partners from criticism.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Dutch manufacturer Heineken NV stopped production and sale of its own brand of beer in Russia, joining the wave of companies ceasing their operation in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.

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