Decision to cease exports of Jameson to Russia is a positive development – Ahearn

The decision by Pernod Ricard to cease exports to Russia is a positive development and secures Ireland’s reputation as a world class drinks distiller, according to Garret Ahearn.

Senator Ahearn said: “Irish Distillers has today confirmed its products will no longer be exported to Russia.

“The move came as part of parent company Pernod Ricard’s decision to cease exports of all its international brands to Russia.

“The French drinks company also confirmed it would cease the distribution of their portfolio in Russia, a process that is anticipated to take some months to complete.

“This is an extremely positive development, as all companies, individuals and Governments have to be on the right of history there in condemning in the strongest terms this brutal invasion by Russia on Ukraine.

“In recent weeks, I highlighted the fact that Pernod Ricard had restarted shipments of Jameson to Russia, having initially stalled exports at the beginning of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine.

“After I highlighted this, the company issued a statement saying it plans to stop exports of Jameson to Russia, but it was not clear when this would happen.

“I had called on Permod Ricard to announce that they are ceasing exports with immediate effect and that if they were unwilling to do that, they should appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“This was so serious that I had called upon the Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin to bring this up at this month’s foreign affairs council with his European counterparts to broaden the sanction package against Russia and add Pernod Ricard to the sanctions list.

“I am glad that it didn’t get to this and that the company has finally seen sense and decided to cease exports of all its international brands to Russia and it sends a clear message that it stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”