Toblerone chocolates have continued to be available on the shelves in Russia despite Mondelez International's efforts to halt imports. That was according to internal sales documents obtained by Reuters.
Toblerone Reportedly Continues to be Sold in Russia
The US snack food giant had previously announced its plan to make its business operation in Russia a standalone with a "self-sufficient supply chain" by the end of 2023.
In February, Mondelez told Reuters that its products in Russia were locally made and distributed, with no finished goods imported from Europe into Russia or vice versa.
However, the documents obtained by Reuters reveal that 100 tons of high-end Toblerone, produced in Switzerland and Slovakia, were sold in Russia in the first four months of this year, though the volumes dropped by 12% from the previous year.
Chocolates and Wars
The sale of Toblerone in Russia underscores Mondelez's challenges in disentangling its operations from the country. While food products, including chocolate, are not subject to the numerous sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many Western companies have vowed to leave the Russian market or separate their local businesses.
Mondelez noted that branded products might reach Russia through third-party distributors or brokers, exploiting the demand for Western brands that have withdrawn from the country.
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