Smirnoff, Stoli & Moskovskaya Vodka Are 100% Proud European Brands
The devastating invasion by Russia into Ukraine has shocked the world. Sanctions have been imposed on Russia with many consumers wanting to stop buying goods and produce from Russia.
We have written this article to clarify that none of the vodka brands we serve are owned by Russian companies or have ingredients sourced from Russia, lets break it down and look more closely at them individually:
Smirnoff Vodka
Here’s a little brief history on Smirnoff Vodka, it was created by Vladimir Smirnoff. Who fled from Russia during the Russian Revolution and re-established the brand in Europe in the early 1920s.
Smirnoff vodka is owned by Diageo, a British company, and is made in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Australia, Jamaica, Brazil, Argentina, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Kenya.
It’s worth pointing out in addition to the above, that Smirnoff isn’t even sold in Russia!
Moskovskaya Vodka
“Moskovskaya Vodka is a proud Latvian brand, produced and bottled at their distillery in Riga”
Due to the brands name it may surprise you to know that the true provenance of Moskovskaya Vodka is Latvia. Moskovskaya is one of the worlds great heritage vodkas and is produced by Amber Beverage Company in its Latvian distillery established in 1900.
“Within the first days of the Russian troops entering Ukraine territory, Moskovskaya Vodka’s brand owner was one of the first global businesses to announce and offer support to the people of Ukraine. As a company, we stand for peace, community, democracy, and solidarity. As stated on Saturday, military action in Ukraine is unacceptable to us and we are forging opportunities to give aid to our near neighbours and people affected by this action.”
Moskovskaya is a 100% European Union product that has been made using ingredients or materials sourced only from European Union countries:
- Labels are sourced from Latvia and Lithuania
- Caps and closures are sourced from Poland
- Glass bottles are sourced from Lithuania and Estonia
- Shippers are sourced from Latvia and Estonia
- Spirit is sourced from Slovakia and Poland.
Stoli Vodka
The brand strongly condemns the Russian invasion into Ukraine and is reminding customers that it’s proudly made in Latvia with their headquarters being in Luxembourg.
Stoli carries out blending, Our Latvia factory receives the following from third party sources:
- Labels from Ukraine, Latvia and Italy
- Caps / closures from Ukraine
- Glass bottles from Poland & Estonia
- Shippers from Latvia and Estonia
- Wheat from Slovakia & Poland and other European countries and Russia
- Liquid, Alpha Grade, from Slovakia and Russia
With IMMEDIATE effect, we are ramping up our Slovakian source to ensure 100% non-Russian grain and alpha grade spirit.
In a recent interview CEO of Stoli answered an FAQ:
Q: I saw the website says the brand is manufactured in Latvia. However, the label says Stoli is distilled in Russia, and the wheat comes from Tambov.
A: We carry out all blending, filtration, bottling, packaging and distribution in our Latvian factory & warehouse. This consolidation occurred when the company and its founder were exiled from Russia 20 years ago. A small portion of our wheat is purchased from Russian along with Slovakian and Polish farmers. It’s regrettable, however given Putin’s actions, we are now ensuring we no longer source at all from Russian suppliers.
STOLI STATEMENT
Stoli® Group Denounces Russian Aggression
February 27, 2022 – Stoli® Group has had a long history of fighting oppression from the Russian regime. We unequivocally condemn the military action in Ukraine and stand in support of the Ukrainian people.
“The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners,” noted Damian McKinney, Global CEO, Stoli® Group. “While we do not have any operations in Russia, we do in Ukraine and across many of the boarding countries.”
The Stoli® vodka brands and its owner Yuri Shefler were exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago. “As the Founder of SPI Group of companies, I have personally experienced persecution by the Russian authorities and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people,” noted Mr. Shefler.
Stoli® Premium and Elit™ vodka are manufactured and bottled in Riga, Latvia. The brand is registered with the US TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) as a Latvian product.
“We are inspired by the Russian people who have taken to the streets calling for an end to this attack on a sovereign nation. For decades, Stoli® Group has supported the marginalized and those at risk of unwarranted aggression. We stand now with all Ukrainians and Russians calling for peace,” said McKinney.
#LiberateUkraine
