Ferrero, the Italy-based confectionery and spreads maker, has suspended “non-essential activities” in Russia and closed its offices in Ukraine.

“Following the temporary closure of our offices in Ukraine, we have decided to temporarily pause all non-essential activities and development plans in Russia, in line with most other food companies. This includes promotions and advertising,” Ferrero said in a statement posted on its website.

According to the website of Ferrero’s local subsidiary in Russia, the company has an office in Moscow and a factory 120 miles east in Vladimir. The company sells products including Nutella, Tic Tac mints and chocolate sold under brands including Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno.

Just Food is clarifying with Ferrero how many employees it has and the sales it generates in both Russia and Ukraine.

NestléPepsiCoUnileverDanoneMars and Mondelez International are among those to have announced they are to suspend their investment in Russia but maintain the manufacturing and sale of certain food products.

Others have decided to stop operations in Russia. Dairy giant Arla Foods has “initiated preparations to suspend its business in Russia”, a move that would “cover both its local operations and imports”.

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On Friday, Norway-based food group Orkla followed in the footsteps of its Scandinavian peers Valio and Fazer by pulling the plug on its Russian operations.

Ferrero added: “We are deeply saddened and concerned by the terrible situation in Ukraine.

“We will reassess our decisions on a regular basis as we continue to closely monitor the impacts of this dramatic and rapidly evolving situation, doing our utmost to safeguard people’s safety, while continuing to support colleagues in local markets who face a lot of uncertainty.

“From the outset, our top priority has been to ensure the safety of our employees, associates, and their families. We have been helping them to reach safety zones, providing them with emergency cash, fuel for their cars, food, medicines, basic supplies, and shelter.”

For more on Just Food’s coverage on how the conflict is affecting the food industry, please visit our dedicated microsite.