Endeavour Group pulls Russian drinks from Dan Murphy’s, BWS and more
Endeavour Group has made the decision to remove drinks originating in Russia from across its retail, hotel and online businesses after calls for boycotts from the Australian Ukrainian community in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Endeavour Group owns two of Australia's largest liquor retailers, Dan Murphy’s and BWS as well as many other drinks and hospitality businesses including Jimmy Brings, Cellarmasters and ALH Hotels.
"As an organisation, Endeavour Group is deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine and we join the calls for peace," the company said.
"Following feedback from a variety of stakeholders, we have decided to remove products of Russian origin from our stores, hotels and online businesses in the coming days."
The move comes after the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations called for the federal government to ban the import and distribution of products from Russia.
The group's co-chair Stefan Romaniw, wrote a letter to Scott Morrison requesting more pressure to be put on Russia, suggesting not only a ban on Russian goods, but to also close the Russian consulate in Sydney and cancel visas for Russian businesspeople, visitors and students.
It has also started contacting other Australian businesses to urge them to stop importing and selling Russian-made goods. It is understood supermarket giant Coles, which operates alcohol chain Liquorland and Vintage Cellars, is also in the mix.
Russia’s attack on the Ukraine has led to several sanctions by the Australian government including targeting Russian oligarchs, members of parliament, banks and direct sanctions against President Vladimir Putin, his Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.
Further sanctions are currently being considered including banning all trade.
Bipartisan support has been offered if the government decides to cut trade ties altogether.
Irit Jackson, 3rd March 2022
