Bacardi enlisted among sponsors of war

Bacardi Limited boasts a portfolio of over 200 brands, including its signature rum, which is the world's best-selling rum brand. The company's impressive brand roster also includes Baron Otard brandy, Bombay gin, Bacardi rum, Cazadores tequila, Grey Goose vodka, Eristoff, Dewar's whiskey, William Lawson's, and others.

Following the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bacardi initially declared a halt in exports to Russia and a suspension of advertising investments. However, this information later disappeared from the company's official statement.

"Despite the assertion that the company would cease its operations in Russia and halt advertising investments, Bacardi has continued to supply its products to Russia, generating millions of dollars in revenue and actively seeking new employees through job postings. The departure of several leading international brand owners from the Russian alcohol market has decreased competition and created opportunities for those who remained," as highlighted by the National Anti-Corruption Agency.

Within Russia, there exists a subsidiary known as "Bacardi Rus," which, over the course of the conflict, imported goods worth 169 million dollars. The Russian subsidiary's revenue increased by 8.5% in 2022, with a nearly 206% surge in net income. This substantial growth has been attributed to the departure of certain prominent international brands from the Russian market, thereby providing those who remained with opportunities for increased earnings.

The National Anti-Corruption Agency underscores that Bacardi's actions effectively contribute significant tax revenues to the Russian budget, thus inadvertently supporting the economy of the aggressor nation and its war against Ukraine.