In response to the outcry of Australia’s ethnic communities, the former owners of Dan Murphy‘s and BWS supermarkets have removed Russian-origin products from their stores.
The Ukrainian community in Australia has called for a ban on the import and circulation of Russian goods in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Australian Federation of Independent Retailers, said that a ban on Russian products was needed to send a strong message to Moscow.
A ban on Russian goods would send a strong message to Moscow.
Due to the outcry, the Endeavour Group, which owns a number of high-street businesses such as Dan Murphy’s and ALH hotels, has decided to stop selling Russian imports.
The Endeavour Group, which is also a major player in the hospitality industry, noted that it supports the calls for peace in Ukraine.
Following feedback from various stakeholder groups, the company has decided to remove all products of Russian origin from its stores, hotels, and online businesses.
In 2016, Woolworths, Australia’s largest grocery chain, sold its stake in the Endeavour Group. The company cited the need for a cleaner story for its investors.
Endeavour’s Australian subsidiary distributes a variety of Russian-brand vodkas, including Beluga, Russian Standard, and Green Mark.
Although the ban on Russian-branded products will not be as severe as the AFUO’s call for a broader ban, some vodka producers retain their Slavic-sounding brand names.
The boycott of Russian products is also about helping bring down Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A community leader claimed that the AFUO wrote to Coles, which owns the liquor stores Vintage Cellars and Liquorland.
According to a government agency, Australia’s imports from Russia amounted to $210 million in 2020, half of which was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although vodka is Australia’s most prominent import, other products such as timber and crude petroleum are also significant contributors to the country’s trade with Russia.
The group also called for the implementation of the Magnitsky Act, which would impose sanctions on foreign individuals who commit human rights abuses.
The AFUO also referred to the situation in Ukraine as a river of blood, which has claimed the lives of many civilians and military personnel.
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