Stoli vodka rebrands, ends use of Stolichnaya amid Russia-Ukraine war

Simply name it Stoli vodka.

The Stoli Group introduced final week that it was doing a “main rebrand” and ending “the usage of the Stolichnaya title” due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The model’s founder, Yuri Shefler, stated the elements behind the choice embrace his “vehement place” on the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin and “the need to precisely characterize Stoli’s roots in Latvia.”

“Whereas I’ve been exiled from Russia since 2000 as a result of my opposition to Putin, I’ve remained happy with the Stolichnaya model,” Shefler stated in a press release, including the title now not represents the group. “Greater than something, I want for ‘Stoli’ to characterize peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine.”

Amid the invasion, companies have been pulling Russian vodka manufacturers from retailer cabinets and a few bars have been pouring out the liquor.

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Only one.2% of U.S. vodka imports come from Russia, in line with information from the Distilled Spirits Council of the USA for the primary half of 2021. Vodka is the one spirit listed as a Russian import within the report.

The connection between Russia and vodka runs deep. The clear liquor distilled from grains will get its title from the Russian phrase “voda,” which implies water, and has lengthy been related to the Slavic nation.

The most well-liked vodkas within the U.S. – together with Smirnoff, Ciroc, Tito’s, Absolut, Svedka, Gray Goose, SKYY and New Amsterdam –will not be made in Russia however are made in Sweden, France, the U.Okay. and the U.S.

Stoli Vodka’s manufacturing amenities have been positioned in Latvia since Shefler was exiled, the corporate stated. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stoli stated it could interact solely with “Slovakian sources to additional guarantee 100% non-Russian alpha grade spirit.”

Stoli Group International CEO Damian McKinney stated the corporate’s workers, companions and distributors are asking the model to take a stand.

“That is one actionable, significant factor we will do to make it clear that we help Ukraine,” McKinney stated in a press release.

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Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY

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