Mondelēz confectionery facilities in Eastern Ukraine reportedly suffer key damage

Mondelēz International’s confectionery manufacturing facilities in Ukraine have suffered major damage in the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia, according to national reports, writes Neill Barston.

According to news carried by Reuters, the business behind key brands including Cadbury and Oreo, confirmed its biscuit production site at Trostyanets, in the east of the country, has been affected, despite the company pausing its operations in the Eastern European nation last month.

The town has reportedly been retaken by Ukrainian forces after being left in a battle-damaged state following Russia’s invasion of the country at the end of February. National reports have suggested that the war is now entering a new phase, with Russian forces said to be focusing on Eastern Ukrainian states, which it claims require liberation.

Last month, Mondelez confirmed that it was scaling back its operations in the region, placing manufacturing in Ukraine on pause amid the conflict, though the business has come under pressure along with other major corporations to withdraw from operating in Russia amid the ongoing war.

In a recent statement on the conflict, the company said: “The safety of our colleagues is our number one priority, and we are focused on ensuring our colleagues in and around Ukraine are safe and cared for during this difficult time.  We’ve paused our operations in the country and are supporting our people and providing humanitarian aid in the region.

“We are ensuring financial support by advancing salary and bonus payments for colleagues in Ukraine. We are also supporting rescue and shelter efforts at the border and beyond, in addition to our global 24/7 Employee Assistance Program for colleagues everywhere.

“In addition to enhanced financial support for our colleagues in Ukraine, we are supporting humanitarian aid in the region, starting with a $500,000 donation through both financial and in-kind contributions. We have also launched a global double-match donation program for colleagues who wish to contribute personally to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – the world’s largest humanitarian network. Our business continuity efforts continue, and we will comply with applicable sanctions that are imposed and are currently evaluating the impact on our business. We stand firmly with those calling for peace and an end to the violence.”