Finnish ice cream brands face pressure over producer’s Russia ties

By admin On Jun 6, 2025

Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva

Several popular Finnish ice cream brands remain linked to Russia through their producer, despite public condemnation of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Froneri Finland, which manufactures ice cream for Fazer, Kesko, S Group, and Lidl, is a subsidiary of the multinational Froneri Group. The parent company continues operating in Russia, producing local ice cream and Western-style frozen desserts for the domestic market.

Fazer, Kesko, S Group, and Lidl told Yle that they oppose Froneri’s activities in Russia. However, none plan to replace Froneri Finland as their supplier. Froneri produces all Fazer-branded ice creams under licence, as well as parts of the Pirkka, Kotimaista, and Gelatelli product lines sold across Finland.

Anna Hannula, a corporate responsibility expert at Tampere University, said the contradiction between brands’ statements and their continued business with a Russia-linked firm weakens their credibility. “There’s a contradiction if you say you condemn the war, yet still maintain even an indirect link to Russia,” Hannula said.

Froneri Finland operates independently in Turenki, southern Finland, employing local workers and using domestic ingredients. However, experts argue that local operations do not offset the reputational damage caused by the parent company’s presence in Russia.

According to Agathe Demarais, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, Western firms that remain in Russia indirectly help finance the Kremlin. In an article for Foreign Policy, Demarais wrote that these companies have contributed over €14 billion to the Russian state during the full-scale war in Ukraine.

Fazer Confectionery Managing Director Lara Saulo said the company had reviewed alternative producers in 2023 but found no suitable option without ties to Russia. “To be honest, we couldn’t find an operator that could serve Finnish consumers as comprehensively,” Saulo said.

Fazer had considered withdrawing entirely from the ice cream market due to ethical concerns, but ultimately decided against it. “If that had happened, consumers would have had even fewer domestic options,” Saulo added, pointing out that global supply chains offer limited alternatives.

Froneri and its Finnish subsidiary insist their Russian business is isolated. Despite this, public and expert scrutiny is increasing as consumers and policymakers examine the ethical implications of ongoing commercial links with Russia.

Multinational firms such as Unilever have already exited the Russian market, selling operations at a loss amid growing pressure. Unilever is among Froneri’s main competitors and also operates ice cream manufacturing facilities in Sweden, producing brands such as Ingman.

For now, no Finnish retailer has committed to ending its cooperation with Froneri Finland. Fazer has expressed continued interest in finding new suppliers but concedes that the industry’s structure complicates efforts to fully sever ties with Russia.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi