Social media began to light up this week when brand-watchers reported that Nestlé S.A., a Swiss multinational company, continues to conduct business in Russia, even as Russia pursues an unprovoked war of aggression against the sovereign democracy of Ukraine.
Nestlé S.A., which traded off its Nestlé Waters North America brand (a trade that resulted in a new holding company called BlueTriton in 2020), was a party to a 1041 review for renewal of its permit to pump water out of the Ruby Mountain spring on land it purchased along the Arkansas River in Chaffee county. The Chaffee Board of County Commissioners narrowly approved the permit in July 2021, on a two to one vote.
More than 300 global brands have reportedly pulled out of Russia, some permanently, others temporarily, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nestlé’s apparent refusal to join what amounts to an international Who’s Who of global corporate business stands out as the world nearly universally condemns Russia’s aggression.
A Twitter post by Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyl notes “Talked to @Nestle CEO Mr. Mark Schneider about the side effect of staying in Russian market. Unfortunately, he shows no understanding. Paying taxes to the budget of a terrorist country means killing defenseless children & mothers. Hope that Nestle will change its mind soon.”
The Nestlé corporate umbrella includes but isn’t limited to the parent name. Among Nestlé brands: Gerber, Nido, NaturNes, Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, Pellegrino, Nesquick, Lion Cereals, Carnation, Coffee-mate, Nesttea, Milo, Nescafe Maggi, Stouffers, Chef Mate, Lean Cuisine, Hagan Daaz, Hot Pockets, Tombstone, KitKat, Butoni, ProPlan, Cat Chow, Friskies, DiGirno, and Boost.
No surprise from Nestle or any business these days. The people should boycott businesses willing to sacrifice others for profit but they will not now that they have more rights than those they choose to harm and have no concern for the environment or the future of future generations or our planet. They only care if they are sued or lose business.