New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu made a similar announcement, also calling for the removal of “Russian-made and Russian-branded liquor.”
These moves are largely symbolic — and may even miss their mark — because very few brands imported into the United States still produce alcohol in Russia.
Many of the top-selling vodka brands that originated in Russia are now distilled in several countries, including the United States.
In a statement to CNN Business, Stoli Group said it “unequivocally condemns military action in Ukraine and stands ready to support the people of Ukraine, our teams and our partners.”
“For decades, the Stoli Group has supported the marginalized and those at risk of unjustified assault. We now stand with all Ukrainians and Russians calling for peace,” a spokesperson for the organization said. society.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was more targeted with his announcement. On Saturday, he asked the state’s nearly 500 liquor stores to “stop both buying and selling all vodka made by Russian Standard, the only Russian distillery overseas with vodka sold in Ohio”.
These boycotts are largely symbolic because Russian-made vodka accounts for only a very small percentage of the roughly $7 billion in annual vodka sales, according to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), a national trade organization that represents makers. of spirits.
Less than 1% of the vodka consumed in the United States is produced in Russia. In fact, more than half of all vodka consumed in the country is made here, according to data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, a global company that tracks alcohol sales.
Vodka imported from Russia has been declining for several years and is down 79% since 2011, DISCUS said.