Heineken is replacing Coca Cola in Russia
US soft drink companies Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have suspended business in Russia in response to military operations in Ukraine. But this time the Dutch beverage company Heineken is going to fill the void of these companies. The Russian trade media Kommersant reported this.
Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine in February this year to prevent it from joining the Western military alliance NATO. Ukrainian forces started resistance. Since then, the conflict has been going on for more than six months.
The United States and the European Union initially imposed a series of economic sanctions on Russia in response to military operations in Ukraine. Complying with these sanctions, companies like American fast food company McDonald's and Starbucks have stopped doing business from Russia. Not only that, the soft drink companies Coca Cola and PepsiCo have stopped their business.
Coca Cola Company announced the suspension of business activities in Russia last March. However, Coca Cola products are still available in many parts of the country. But they are very expensive. As a result, Russian beverage manufacturers have already brought alternative soft drinks to the market to fill the void of these companies.
Dutch company Heineken is going to start business in Russia this time. RT reported on Tuesday (September 20) quoting the Russian business daily Kommersant, that despite promising not to do business with the embargoed country, the Dutch company has applied to the Russian authorities to register the company for business in Russia.
Established in 1864, the multinational company is doing business in 70 countries around the world. The company produces about 348 different beverages, including beer and cider.
According to RT reports, Heineken has applied to the Russian authorities to register several soft drink brands with the name 'Cola'. The brands include Royal Cola Original, Royal Cola Zero, Tony Lemony Orange and Tony Lemony Lemon.
Drinks to be produced at multiple Heineken factories in Russia And like Coca Cola or Pepsi, they can be found in glass or plastic bottles. Also available in aluminum cans.
