German food major Dr. Oetker has ceased operations in Russia in response to the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

In a brief statement, the Ristorante pizza brand owner said the move is the second step it has taken as a result of Russia’s aggression.

“The company stopped all exports to Russia, all investments in its Russian sister company and all marketing activities in the Russian market immediately after the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” it said.

“Since then, the manufacturing plant operated by Dr. Oetker in the city of Belgorod has been producing only basic food products such as yeast and baking powder.

“Dr. Oetker transfers ownership to its existing Russian managing directors, thus ending all its activities in Russia.”

The company – which said it “strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and calls on the Russian government to immediately end the war and restore peace” – is the latest Western food business to either cease operating in Russia entirely or limit its exposure there to what they consider to be essential items.

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

Just Food parent GlobalData is providing an ongoing analysis of the war’s impact across business sectors.

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