"NO McDonald's, NO Coca-Cola"... Boycott Spreads Over 'Russia Operations'
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] While several Western conglomerates are suspending operations in Russia, American food and beverage companies such as McDonald's and Coca-Cola continue their business there, sparking global criticism.
According to the British media outlet BBC on the 7th (local time), posts with hashtags like '#BoycottMcDonalds' and '#BoycottCocaCola' are rapidly spreading on social networking services (SNS).
However, experts predict that major food and beverage companies will find it difficult to halt operations in Russia, as demand for American hamburgers, carbonated drinks, and chicken persists even during wartime.
McDonald's, which entered Russia in 1990, currently operates 847 stores locally. Approximately 9% of its total sales come from Russia.
Coca-Cola is also the most popular carbonated beverage in Russia. Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling, which holds the distribution rights for Coca-Cola in Russia, generates about 20% of its total sales from Russia and Ukraine combined.
Hellenic Bottling previously stated through Russian state media that it will continue its business in Russia. The company said, "All operations and production of Coca-Cola in Russia are functioning normally," adding, "We have responsibilities toward thousands of Russian employees, local communities, and partners."
Other well-known food and beverage companies such as Pepsi, KFC, Starbucks, and Burger King are also continuing their local operations. However, Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, recently criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an "unprovoked and unjust attack" in a statement.
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Meanwhile, global companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Nike, Chanel, and Netflix have suspended local sales and services in Russia as a form of sanction. Additionally, credit card companies Visa and Mastercard, as well as automobile manufacturers Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda, have announced the suspension of their operations in Russia.
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