Pernod Ricard has resumed selling Absolut Vodka in Russia. In a statement, Absolut spokesperson, Paula Eriksson, said that the alcohol would be sold in quantities in accordance with sanctions “that can support local employees and give local entities economic sustainability”.
It’s a controversial decision by a prominent international brand.
Swedish art directors, Johan Gustafsson, Linda Iuta Fryxell and Johan Angantyr, have created a freelance advertisement to oppose the decision. It references the classic Absolut Vodka ads from the ‘80s and ‘90s and is going viral in Sweden, shared by the leading blogger on the war in Ukraine, Lars Wilderäng, as well as prominent restaurants in Stockholm that have been boycotting Absolut Vodka since Pernod Ricard made its decision.
Johan Gustafsson stated, “As a Swedish art director it’s sad to see one of the greatest brands ever created by the Swedish ad industry being badly hurt by this immoral decision by Pernod Ricard. I hope they will come to their senses and stop supporting the illegal Russian war on Ukraine.”
