AFUO launches Easter boycott of Mondelez over its business ties with Russia

Mondelez International – the multinational snack empire behind household names like Cadbury, Oreo, and Toblerone – is facing mounting backlash for its continued operations in Russia, despite the country’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO)  has launched a campaign against the U.S.-based company Mondelez, which continues to do business in Russia.

The community is urging Australians to boycott Modelez products, especially the popular Cadbury Dairy Milk products, during the Easter season – one of the company’s most lucrative products, when demand for chocolate surges profit margins widen.

The campaign highlights a growing concern that the global food titan is placing profit ahead of moral responsibility.

With a footprint in over 150 countries and a market capitalization that exceeds $90 billion,  Mondelez’s decision to maintain business in Russia has raised ethical red flags.

In 2023 alone, Mondelez generated over $1.4 billion in Russia and paid at least $62 million in taxes directly into the Kremlin’s coffers.

“According to B4Ukraine, this places Mondelez among the top 20 foreign companies contributing to Russia’s war budget – effectively helping to fund its genocidal war machine,” the AFUO reports.

Despite international pressure and a growing movement of companies withdrawing from the Russian market, Mondelez — with its massive global influence — has remained. Activists argue that the company’s refusal to exit reflects a stark prioritization of financial gain over basic human rights.

The AFUO calls on Australians to stop purchasing Cadbury Dairy Milk products and other Mondelez brands, urging them to encourage friends and family to do the same. 

The organization also encourages people to send complaints to the company’s official address, post on social media, and distribute leaflets in local stores.

“Cadbury should not be linked to russia’s war crimes. Mondelez, stop funding war. Exit russia,” the AFUO reports.

Follow the link for more information about the campaign.

The pressure is mounting beyond Australia, the Illinois Division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America is also running a coordinated campaign against Mondelez, signaling a growing international movement to hold the snack conglomerate accountable.