Ukrainian campaigners seek action from the Labour mayor regarding Mondelez’s operations in Russia.
- Activists call for public condemnation of Mondelez by West Midlands mayor due to Cadbury’s Birmingham heritage.
- CEO of Mondelez defends Russian business, citing lack of investor pressure to exit the market.
- Mondelez expresses ongoing support for Ukraine despite continuing operations in Russia.
- Unilever exits Russian market, selling interests to local manufacturer.
Ukrainian campaigners have reached out to the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, urging him to take a firm stance against Mondelez, Cadbury’s American parent company, which continues to sell products in Russia. This plea arises from Cadbury’s deep roots in Birmingham, with activists from B4Ukraine emphasising the importance of standing by Cadbury’s foundational values of community, fairness, and pacifism.
The request follows a statement earlier this year from Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put, made in an interview with the Financial Times, where he defended the company’s ongoing business in Russia. He argued that investors have shown no moral concern or applied pressure for the company to withdraw from the Russian market, suggesting a broader indifference among shareholders.
B4Ukraine has articulated a standpoint that the values underpinning Cadbury are not merely historical relics but remain imperative principles requiring active defence. They have advocated for the West Midlands mayor to leverage his position to influence Mondelez’s corporate conduct and ensure alignment with these ethical guidelines.
In response to the criticism, a Mondelez spokesperson maintained that the company condemns the aggression against Ukraine and continues to support Ukrainian citizens through financial contributions and in-kind aid. The spokesperson highlighted Mondelez’s $15 million commitment to aid Ukraine and support refugees, underscoring their efforts to balance business operations with humanitarian support.
Concurrently, industry movements have seen Unilever make a complete exit from the Russian market. The consumer goods giant has transferred its interests to Russian manufacturer Arnest Group, thus distancing itself from any business involvement in Russia. This development stands in contrast to Mondelez’s decision, potentially adding pressure for other companies to reconsider their positions.
The ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between ethical business practices and geopolitical considerations that major corporations face.
