Thomas Lyons 
Irish Distillers, the maker of Jameson Irish whiskey, has announced that it will no longer be exporting its products to Russia. The decision comes as part of parent company Pernod Ricard’s overall strategy to cease exports of all its international brands to Russia. The company stated that it will also stop the distribution of its portfolio in Russia, a process that is expected to take several months to complete.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Pernod Ricard said, “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.” The company also added that it has been providing assistance to its local team members, including direct financial assistance, psychological support, accommodation for some employees and their families in neighbouring countries, and employment outside Ukraine for those who required it.
The decision by Pernod Ricard to cease exports of its international brands to Russia comes in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The company had previously suspended its exports to Russia in early 2022, following the initial invasion of Ukraine by Russia. However, in September 2022, the statement published on the company’s website was amended to remove any mention of suspending exports.
The move by Irish Distillers will undoubtedly have an impact on the Russian market, as Jameson is a popular brand in the country. However, the decision is in line with the company’s commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and its local employees. The company has stated that it will continue to assess how to adapt its local organisation in light of these decisions, while complying with all local legal regulations.
Activists had previously staged a protest outside the Dublin headquarters of Irish Distillers and parent company Pernod-Ricard last month. The company had issued a statement expressing its shock and sadness at the war unfolding in Ukraine and had suspended its exports to Russia as a result. However, with the conflict ongoing, the company has taken the decision to cease all exports of its international brands to Russia.
In conclusion, the decision by Irish Distillers to stop exporting Jameson to Russia is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and its local employees. While the move will undoubtedly have an impact on the Russian market, the company has stated that it will comply with all local legal regulations and continue to assess how to adapt its local organisation in light of these decisions.
