Mars and Nestlé want to extend assistance

Major food and pet food companies such as Mars Petcare and Nestle Purina are committed to doing their part to ensure a comprehensive economic embargo on Russia.
"Our main focus and absolute priority is the safety of our employees in the region," states Mars Petcare in a press release. The company intends to increase its contribution in money and goods for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine by 10 mio dollars on top of the 2 mio dollars already announced to help people and pets affected by the conflict. Mars has operated in Russia for over 30 years and employs nearly 6 000 people in the country. It aims to continue supporting them while recognising that business as usual is not an option. For this reason, Mars has decided to "scale back the business and concentrate our efforts in Russia on our key role in feeding the Russian population and their pets." All profits from the business in Russia are to be used for humanitarian purposes. The company has also abandoned new investments in Russia and does not intend either to import products into Russia or to export them from the country. It has suspended its social media activities and advertising in Russia and Belarus.
Nestlé is also giving top priority to the safety of people in Ukraine. Its staff there are being supported with emergency food packages, advances on wages, administrative assistance and mental health support, according to the company on its website. Products are being donated in addition to food banks and local welfare organisations to help those in need in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In Russia, the focus is on meeting the needs of people locally. All advertising here has been halted, capital investment suspended and the import and export of products into and out of Russia has been stopped with the exception of basic food items and therapeutic pet food for specialist retailers and veterinary clinics. 7 000 people work for Nestlé in Russia.