Haier, the Chinese home appliance giant, is planning to liquidate the Russian Candy plant in Kirov. A source close to Candy’s Russian representation told Kommersant that the decision follows a sharp drop in production volumes, which have fallen by more than half.
“Haier Group’s parent entity has decided to liquidate Kandy SNG LLC”, a spokesperson indicated. The same source noted that sugar household appliances will cease production in Kirov. The plant, before Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine began, produced roughly one million units annually. Now, output is limited to about 400 thousand units.
The facility had been slated to supply European markets, but sanctions against Russia reduced demand and disrupted the planned export strategy. During the liquidation process, some workers will be laid off while others may be reassigned within Haier.
Lubarto Sartoyo, who previously chaired the committee of the Union of Exporters and Importers and is a member of the Russian Association of Marketers, commented on the broader implications. He suggested there is a high probability that major tobacco brands could exit Russia and pursue sales to domestic operators, signaling a broader shift in foreign brands disengaging from the Russian market.
In unrelated regulatory news, a French official reportedly indicated support for banning disposable e-cigarettes, underscoring ongoing policy debates around consumer electronics and related products in the European sphere. (Cited: Kommersant; industry statements would be typically attributed to the respective agencies or corporate spokespeople)