Nestlé stops production and sales of non-essential goods in Russia

Company bows to pressure from shoppers, activists and political figures to suspend brands

Nestle has bowed to pressure and stopped the local production and sales of non-essential goods such as KitKats and Nesquik in Russia.

The food and drinks group announced earlier this week that it had stopped the import and export of non-essential goods but said on Wednesday that it was also stopping the vast majority of its local production of such items including coffee, confectionery and pet food. Only production of a limited number of essential items, such as baby food, food for hospital use and some basic pet food will now continue.