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UK supermarkets stop sales of Russian vodka
Supermarkets across the UK, including Tesco and Morrisons, have removed Russian vodka from shelves in response to the Ukraine invasion.
The Co-op, which operates more than 4,000 stores across the UK, released a statement on 4 March that said it would remove all Russian-made vodka from shelves for the foreseeable future. The supermarket said the move was made as a ‘sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine’ after Russia began its invasion on 24 February.
Furthermore, it said it would launch the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal across 2,600 stores calling for donations from customers, which the Co-op will match by up to £10,000 (US$13,150).
Other major retailers have followed suit in taking Russian booze off shelves, including Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We will not be buying products from businesses that are wholly Russian owned and we are supporting humanitarian relief efforts through our partnerships with the Red Cross, food banks and other relief organisations to help those affected in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.”
Morrisons also confirmed a similar move in a statement: “We have taken action on our vodka lines including delisting Russian Standard. The product is longer available on our website and no further stock will be bought.”
The UK’s second-biggest supermarket chain Sainsbury’s also took to Twitter to confirm it would axe Russian products: “We stand united with the people of Ukraine. We have reviewed our product range and have decided to remove from sale all products that are 100% sourced from Russia.”
The nation’s third-largest supermarket chain, Asda, also confirmed that it is banning products that originate from Russia from its stores and online.
Waitrose also said on Twitter that it would stop selling Russian vodka in its stores.
Bars across the UK have also showed their support for Ukraine by stopping the sale of Russian booze, including London Cocktail Club operator Nightcap.
Meanwhile, US and Canadian provinces, including Ontario, have removed all alcoholic products produced in Russia from their stores.