UCCA, IL campaign against Mondelez is gaining traction and capturing global attention, generating widespread interest on an international scale
UCCA has been actively involved in an ongoing campaign against Mondelez International. This multifaceted initiative includes letter-writing campaigns directed at the company and elected representatives, as well as collaboration with other advocacy groups. The UCCA, IL campaign against Mondelez is gaining momentum, drawing global attention and generating widespread interest on an international scale.
The company, accused of profiting from the war, faced demonstrations from the Ukrainian community on October 29 at Water Tower and October 31 at the Mondelez Headquarters.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Mondelez International, a global snack and confectionery company, has found itself under scrutiny for maintaining its business operations in Russia. While some corporations chose to exit the Russian market in response to the geopolitical situation, Mondelez International not only remained but also witnessed profits surpassing one billion USD, contributing over 60 million USD to the Russian state budge
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Mondelez International, a global snack and confectionery company, has found itself under scrutiny for maintaining its business operations in Russia. While some corporations chose to exit the Russian market in response to the geopolitical situation, Mondelez International not only remained but also witnessed profits surpassing one billion USD, contributing over 60 million USD to the Russian state budget. This financial support has drawn criticism from those who argue that it indirectly aids actions such as missile launches, impacting Ukrainian children.
As the United States, Ukraine, and allied nations work to cut off material support for the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian community in Chicago is gearing up for protests against Mondelez International. The company, accused of profiting from the war, faces demonstrations scheduled for October 29 at Water Tower and October 31 at the Mondelez Headquarters.
The decision by Mondelez International to continue operating in the Russian market and reaping substantial profits has prompted Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) to categorize the company as an international sponsor of the war. According to the NACP, Mondelez, while publicly promoting charitable assistance to children affected by the conflict, simultaneously expands its presence in Russia and contributes significant amounts to the Russian state budget, potentially allocated for military purposes.
Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division (UCCA), voiced their discontent, stating, "We will not stand idly by as Mondelez profits from selling 'healthy snacks' like Oreo cookies and Milka chocolate in Russia while Ukrainian children suffer due to tax-funded Russian weapons."
Publicly available data underscores the financial success of Mondelez's operations in Russia. In 2022, the company's three Russian factories generated over one billion dollars in revenue and 339 million dollars in profit. These figures indicate a market share expansion since the Russian invasion, with revenue increasing by 38% and profit by 303% compared to the previous year. Moreover, these operations have contributed more than 61 million dollars in taxes to the Russian government.
Marta Farion of UCCA emphasized their commitment to collaborating with elected leaders and a growing coalition of local partners to prevent Mondelez from indirectly supporting Russian war efforts. Their goal is to ensure that President Zelensky's request is met, preventing any U.S. corporate profits from reaching the Russian war machine. As the protests unfold in Chicago, they aim to amplify their message, urging accountability and responsible corporate conduct in times of international crisis.
Letter to Mondelez 09_25_23
Letter to Mondelez 10_03_23
Photos 10_29_2023
Photos 10_31_2023
Surma Article
Euromaidan Press Article
Yale School of Management
Video
Video Reel
Ukrainian Weekly
Kyiv Post
Axios