Kerry Group Suspends Operations In Russia And Belarus

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KERRY Group has suspended its operations in Russia and Belarus.

Kerry Group has been operating in Russia since 2006 with a research and development operation in Moscow situated there since 2014 and they also have a manufacturing facility in the city. It employs 250 people between Russia and Belarus.

The company issued a statement saying it had taken the decision following extensive ongoing consultation with stakeholders.

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“Kerry Group has continuously monitored the unfolding situation in Ukraine and we are horrified at the escalation of the humanitarian crisis,” reads the statement to the stock exchange.

“Over the last number of weeks the group has scaled back activities in Russia and Belarus. This suspension will be managed in an orderly manner, during which the company will continue to pay employees and fulfil our legal obligations.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor Cathal Foley has welcomed the decision to suspend operations.

“It is almost a month to the day when I first called on Kerry Group to suspend its operations in Russia,” said the Tralee MD councillor.

“That call was supported by my colleagues at Kerry County Council who share a long relationship with the company. All of us have a moral obligation to try and do all in our power to put pressure on the Russian regime to end their invasion and pull out of Ukraine.”

“Every right thinking person is appalled at the brutal treatment of the civilian population of Ukraine, not least the most recent allegations of the summary executions, torture and rape of civilians in Bucha.”

“Kerry Group has finally made the correct decision and while it may seem to be a small and insignificant gesture, it sends a clear message that rogue states will not be rewarded with foreign investment and treated the same as modern peaceful nations. All Irish companies still operating in Russia need to follow suit,” he said.