Co-op removes Russian Standard vodka from shelves

Co-op has removed Russian-made vodka from sale in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion on Ukraine, stated reports on Thursday (3).

Russian Standard vodka has been taken off sale “with immediate effect” as the brand is “overtly marketed as being Russian” and is produced in the country, Independent quoted a spokesman as saying.

“In response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have taken the decision to remove from sale Russian-made vodka.

“Russian Standard has been taken off sale with immediate effect because it is overtly marketed as being Russian and produced there,” the spokesman said, adding that a “Polish distilled alternative” will be sold in the stores in its place.

“Our members and customers will also be able to support the humanitarian response to help those displaced by the conflict by donating at our stores to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal. The appeal will launch across our 2,600 stores today and we will match funding our customers’ donations up to £100,000.”

Morrisons has also de-listed Russian Standard vodka, reports said.

The move by Co-op comes after a host of bars reportedly removed vodka and other alcohol products from Russia from their venues in a move of solidarity with people in Ukraine.

Finland and Sweden banned liquor sourced from Russia on Monday (28) followed by Norway on Tuesday (1).