Starbucks has become the latest western brand to completely remove its business from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Following in the footsteps of McDonald’s and Renault, the coffee chain that began trading in Russia in 2007 has suspended all business activity in the country, including shipment of all Starbucks products.
The news comes two months after the company’s original statement that it would pause store operations. This announcement however, will see Starbucks remove all its ‘brand presence’ in the market.
In spite of this decision, the international chain will continue to support its 2,000 colleagues in Russia, including pay for six months and assistance for staff to ‘transition to new opportunities outside of Starbucks.
READ MORE: McDonald’s permanently exits Russia due to Ukraine invasion
A total of 130 Russian coffee shops are operated and owned by a Kuwait based licensee called Alshaya Group. Starbucks have neither confirmed or denied whether these stores will be reopened under a new brand or sold to a new potential buyer.
In early March, when the Ukraine invasion had just begun, The Starbucks Foundation pledged to contribute $500,000 to World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross for humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine.
At the time it said: “The invasion and humanitarian impact of this war are devastating and create a ripple effect that is felt throughout the world. In times like these, as a company and as partners, we strive to never be a bystander.”
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