Ritter Sport is criticized for its business in Russia

Waldenbuch –

Despite the war in Ukraine, the chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport continues to supply chocolate to Russia. The company did not take the decision lightly, said a spokesman on Tuesday when asked in Waldenbuch. A stop in deliveries would mean that production would have to be drastically shut down “and thus also have serious effects on us as an independent medium-sized family company”. Ultimately, the cocoa farmers would also be affected.

“Square, practical, blood”: Ritter Sport boycott demanded

After the announcement, the German chocolate manufacturer drew a lot of criticism on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Many users called for a boycott, and the protest against Ritter Sport was often accompanied by the slogan “Square, practical, blood”. This is a modification of the well-known Ritter Sport advertising slogan, “Square, practical, good”.

The group justified its decision: Russia is an important market for the Swabian chocolate manufacturer. According to the company, Ritter Sport’s market share in Russia is seven percent. Business in Russia accounted for around ten percent of Ritter Sport’s total sales.

However, things cannot continue as before, said the spokesman. At the beginning of March, Ritter Sport made and implemented the decision “not to invest any further in the Russian market and to stop advertising there”. Whether Ritter Sport will decide to take further steps after the great criticism is still pending. (mab/dpa)

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