Major distiller Pernod Ricard has confirmed that it has stopped exports of all its premium international brands, including several Scotch whiskies, to Russia. The decision, which came into force at the end of April, has been made due to the war in Ukraine.
The French spirits group - which boasts The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal among its Scottish brands, as well as Irish whiskey Jameson and Havana Club rum - also confirmed plans to cease the distribution of its portfolio of local brands to the country.
Last month, Pernod Ricard had said it was suspending exports entirely of its premium Absolut vodka to Russia, having previously reduced sales following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
The company faced protests in London and Dublin over its resumption of shipments to Russia earlier this year. Like many companies, Pernod Ricard had cut back heavily on products it sells in the eastern European country last year, having previously derived around three per cent of its sales there.
However, it resumed shipments when stocks of brands including Jameson and Beefeater began to run low at the end of 2022, prompting outcry from campaigners. A spokesperson for the company said: "Pernod Ricard can confirm that it has stopped all exports of its international brands to Russia at the end of April 2023.
"We will also cease the distribution of our portfolio in Russia, a process that we anticipate will take some months to complete. We are assessing how to adapt our local organisation in light of these decisions, while fully complying with all local legal regulations.
"Since the outbreak of the war our guiding principle has been the welfare of our teams wherever they are based, and we will continue to support our local employees during this process."
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