Companies continue to work in the Russian Federation, paying large taxes to its budget, thereby supporting the economy of the aggressor country.
The National Corruption Prevention Agency has listed two leading food corporations, PepsiCo and Mars, as international sponsors of the war. This was reported on September 1 by the NAPC press service.
“Despite statements about the reduction of their business, cessation of advertising activities and production of their products, they continue to work in the Russian Federation, pay significant taxes to its budget, thereby supporting the economy of the aggressor country ,” the report said.
It is noted that PepsiCo produces soft drinks, juices, chips, snacks, dairy products and other food products under the main brands Chester’s, Chipsy, Lay’s, Mirinda, Pasta Roni, Pepsi, Propel, Sandora, 7up, Simba, Snack a Jacks, to Sonric. Tropicana, Agusha, Himala, Slavyanochka, Sadochok, Sandorik, Masha etc.
The company has 19 factories in Russia, about 20 thousand employees and 40 thousand agricultural workers. In terms of net income, PepsiCo is the fourth largest beverage and food company in Russia.
In the first year of a full-scale war, PepsiCo increased its revenue in Russia to $2.59 billion. Net income increased by 333% to $525 million compared to 2021. Taxes to the budget of the Russian Federation were paid by more than $115 million.
“In March 2022, the company announced the termination of advertising activities and the production of beverages in Russia in connection with the full Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, in August 2022, the production of 7Up and Mirinda beverages under of Evervess and Continued Frustyle brands,” NAPC said.
In addition, PepsiCo launched a new brand of lemonade in the country called Rossiyskiy Gift to replace the previous products. The company continues to manufacture and distribute other products such as chips, snacks and dairy products. According to media reports, PepsiCo’s Lay’s chips were found in the food rations of Russian soldiers.
Mars also produces food products, known for chocolate bars, but also pet food, chewing gum, beverages, instant foods, canned sauces. Major brands are Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Bounty, M&M’s, Whiskas, Pedigree, Uncle Ben’s. The corporation also owns a series of Wrigley stamps.
The company promised to reduce business on the territory of the Russian Federation after the start of the full-scale invasion. However, factories continue to operate in Russia with higher profits. Mars LLC revenue for 2022 increased to $2.45 billion, net income rose 59% to $377 million. Taxes to the Russian budget were paid more than $93 million.
It will be recalled that earlier the NAPC identified the manufacturer of Oreo, Milka and Mishka Barney as an international sponsor of war. The alcohol company Bacardi is also listed as a sponsor of the war.
Source: korrespondent
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