The company did not take the decision lightly, the company said earlier this week. Ritter Sport triggered a wave of displeasure on social media. “Square. Practical. Blood,” tweeted Andriy Melnyk, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany. There were wild insults and calls for a boycott.
Square. Practical. Blood. Despite the aggression against Ukraine, Ritter Sport remains in Russia. good luck https://t.co/7Lx9cfKWcI
— Andrij Melnyk (@MelnykAndrij) March 29, 2022
The company has now responded: “We strongly condemn the cruel aggression of the Russian army in Ukraine and, like you, wish it to finally stop,” Ritter Sport said on Twitter. “Therefore, we donate all profits from the current business in Russia to humanitarian aid organizations.” In relation to the calls for a boycott, the company wrote that it was aware that it would not be possible to change anyone’s mind. “But it is important to us to share our motivations with you openly and honestly.”
Our statement: pic.twitter.com/ppWCBldjta
— RITTER SPORT DE (@RITTER_SPORT_DE) March 30, 2022
After Germany, Russia is the most important sales market for Ritter Sport. According to the company, the market share in Russia is 7 percent. Business in Russia accounted for about 10 percent of Ritter Sport’s total sales.
A stop in deliveries would mean that production would have to be drastically shut down “and thus also have serious effects on us as an independent medium-sized family company”. Ultimately, the cocoa farmers would also be affected.
However, the company said it could not continue as before. Therefore, all investments in Russia and advertising have been stopped “for a few weeks”.
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