Jameson whiskey condemned by Irish Ukrainians for resumption of sales to Russia

Activists today staged a protest handing out flyers accompanied by a digital ad van asking Jameson Whiskey and its parent companies Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard to reverse their decision to resume exports to Russia.

The ad van reads; ‘Boycott Jameson, Stand With Ukraine’

The ad van is currently parked at the HQ of Pernod Ricard in Dublin at Simmonscourt House, Simmonscourt Rd, Ballsbridge.

Campaigners say they want to send a clear message to the staff of Pernod Ricard, Irish Distillers and Jameson that what they are doing is supporting a war.

Pernod Ricard suspended exports to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, along with many Western firms.

However, when stocks began to run low at the end of 2022, it restarted limited exports of brands including Beefeater gin and Jameson whiskey.

The company said: “We continue to utterly condemn the unjustifiable war and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia,” adding that it stands “firmly with the people of Ukraine.

“This is not business as usual and our decisions were not taken lightly,” a spokesperson said.

Present at today’s demonstration at Irish Distillers was Anatoliy Primakov (pictured above) Co Founder of Ukrainian Action.

“By doing business in Russia Irish Distillers will sponsor Russia’s war machine and support the murder of Ukrainians,” Primakov said.

“No amount of money can pay for human lives and it is unfortunate that Irish Distillers are ready to be willing contributors to Russia’s war, consequences of which will have a generational impact on Ukraine, Ireland and the world.”

Anna Nolan, Ukraine Solidarity Project said:

“Jameson don’t just sell whiskey, they trade on the reputation of Ireland.

“This disgraceful decision to return to Russia and contribute taxes to Putin’s war machine is a black mark against our country.

“Until they stop exports they will be known as Shamesons.”

“In the last year the world watched in horror as Putin’s forces launched indiscriminate bombs on Ukrainian homes, kidnapped children and tortured civilians.

“At the same time Jameson and its owners were busy planning their return to Russia knowing they’d then be paying taxes to Putin’s war machine. How can they justify that decision?”

Earlier this month, Picard Ricard confirmed the resumption of sales of certain brands in Russia, listing Jamesons as one of those available in Russia on its website.

Another brand that resumed exports to Russia was Absolut Vodka.

Upon this information becoming public in Sweden a public backlash including customers threatening to boycott it, bars taking it off their gantries and farmers threatening to refuse to sell their grain.

This outcry forced Pernod Ricard to u-turn, confirming it would not sell Absolut in Russia. This story made headlines across the world. Campaigners are hoping that people in Ireland are inspired by this Swedish example:

“Irish society has been incredibly supportive and welcoming to the Ukrainians seeking shelter and peace in Ireland,” Anatoliy Prymakov said.

“This welcome stands in stark contrast to an unscrupulous business willing to tarnish the reputation of an iconic Irish brand and reputation of Ireland for profit.

“We urge the Irish public to speak up about this and let their thoughts and opinions be known so that Irish Distillers rethink their decision and its impact on Ireland and the world.”