PepsiCo and Mars have been added to the list of international sponsors of the war

This information was reported by the National Anti-Corruption Agency.

“PepsiCo increased its revenue in Russia in the first year of the full-scale invasion. Thus, the revenue of PepsiCo Holdings LLC for 2022 grew to $2.59 billion (or 176.5 billion rubles), including a 333% increase in net profit to $525 million compared to 2021. Taxes were paid to the Russian budget in excess of $115 million (or 8.29 billion rubles)”, the statement reads.

In March 2022, the company announced the cessation of advertising and beverage production in Russia due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, in August 2022, the production of “7Up” and “Mirinda” beverages under the “Evervess” and “Frustyle” brands resumed. The company also continues to produce and distribute other products: chips, snacks, and dairy products. According to media reports, Lay’s chips from PepsiCo were found in the ration packs of Russian soldiers.

The fact that there are no intentions to leave the Russian market is also indicated by the presence of over 580 open job vacancies in Russia on the company’s career page. Foreign companies, by creating jobs, alleviate the burden of unemployment benefits and related social problems for the Kremlin. Mars has been operating in Russia for over 30 years, has invested $2.5 billion in the aggressor country’s economy, created over 6,000 jobs, and has 10 factories in Russia.

The company promised to downsize its business in Russia after the start of full-scale aggression. “Any profit from the Russian business will be used for humanitarian purposes. The company will not import or export products”, the company stated.

“Factories continue to operate in Russia with increased revenue in 2022 compared to 2021. The revenue of Mars LLC for 2022 grew to $2.45 billion (or 176.5 billion rubles), net profit increased by 59% to $377 million (or 27.2 billion rubles), and taxes paid to the Russian budget exceeded $93 million (or 6.76 billion rubles)”, the agency noted.

It is worth noting that by paying taxes, foreign companies assist the Russian economy, particularly concerning the recently introduced military value-added tax and income tax. All of this ultimately affects Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine.

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