Toblerone Continues to Sweeten Russia's Shelves Despite US Maker Mondelez Halting Imports: Report
By Jace Dela Cruz
Jun 29, 2024 03:35 AM EDT
Jun 29, 2024 03:35 AM EDT
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.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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.
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might reach Russia through third-party distributors or brokers, exploiting the demand for Western brands that have withdrawn from the country.
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin Issues Rare Apology for the Price of Eggs as Russia's Inflation Soars
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