Nyet: Russian vodka gone
One of New Zealand’s largest alcohol retail chains has pulled Russian vodka and beer from its shelves to show solidarity with Ukraine.
The West Auckland Trusts, which owns 26 retail stores and hospitality venues, will stop selling Russian-made products from Tuesday.
It is thought to be the first New Zealand boycott of Russia’s imported goods since the superpower invaded Ukraine last week.
The empty shelves will not be restocked, and the products will instead be replaced with a Ukrainian flag.
Trusts chief executive Alan Pollard said the chain’s actions were in response to Russia raising its nuclear levels, and a growing opinion among its customers it was the right thing to do.
‘‘Vodka is Russia’s most highprofile export product and our actions today are designed to show our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty,’’ he said.
‘‘While New Zealand is a comparatively small market individually, joining our counterparts in other countries around the world in boycotting the sale of these products is a statement of solidarity for the Ukrainian people.’’
New Zealand imports millions of dollars’ worth of products from Russia. In 2021, $98.7 million worth of its goods made its way into the country, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Beverages, spirits and vinegar accounted for nearly $2m of those imports.
The West Auckland Trusts’
‘‘Vodka is Russia’s most high-profile export product and our actions today are designed to show our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. ’’
Alan Pollard West Auckland Trusts
actions reflected increasing boycotts of Russian products across the world, including in the United States, Australia and Canada.
The boycott included brands with Russia as their country of origin, such as Ivanov, Russian Standard, Russkaya, Kristov Red vodkas, Gorkovskaya Vodka, JJ Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, Royal Bison Vodka, Russkaya Vodka, Baltika Beer and Three Hills Pale Ale beer.
Pollard said the products would be removed from sale from all Trusts stores in West Auckland from Tuesday and placed in storage, or discarded if there was no imminent resolution to the conflict.
He assured customers many local products would still be available for purchase.
Ukraine officials said at least 352 people had been killed so far, and 1684 had been wounded during the invasion.