UPDATE: Kroger joins Total Wine, Liquor Barn in removing Russian-made products from shelves

UPDATE (3/2/22) – Cincinnati-based supermarket Kroger is joining the list of businesses choosing to remove Russian-made products from store shelves.

Kroger tweeted a statement this week, saying in part, “As America’s grocer, we’re taking action to show our support and solidarity with Ukraine. Over the weekend, we removed Russian-produced vodka from our shelves.”

In addition to pulling Russian-produced vodka, Kroger also said it’s sending emergency food assistance to support refugees.

According to the tweet, Kroger says, “We are sending emergency food assistance to support refugees through a grant from The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation to the UN World Food Programme’s Ukraine Emergency Fund. We will match all gifts made by our associates and customers, up to $250,000.”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Liquor Barn and Total Wine & More shared posts to social media on Monday, announcing the removal of Russian-made products from shelves.

According to the post from Total Wine, “Today, this is what you will see in our stores. In support of the Ukrainian people, we have removed all Russian-made products from our shelves.”

Source: Total Wine

Liquor Barn shared a similar post Monday saying, “We are removing Russian-made spirits from our stores until further notice. We support the people of Ukraine and their fight for freedom.”

Source: Liquor Barn

In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a statewide move over the weekend. According to the post shared on Saturday by DeWine, “Today I directed @OhioCommerce to cease both the purchase & sale of all vodka made by Russian Standard, the only overseas, Russian-owned distillery with vodka sold in Ohio. Russian Standard’s vodka is sold under the brand names of Green Mark Vodka & Russian Standard Vodka.” 

DeWine went on to say, “@OhioLiquor estimates that there are approximately 6,400 bottles of vodka made by Russian Standard currently for sale in Ohio’s 487 liquor agencies across the state. Retailers have been asked to immediately pull Green Mark Vodka and Russian Standard Vodka from their shelves.”