However, the bans have been criticised for having a potentially limited economic impact on Russia, as many popular ‘Russian’ vodka brands are not distilled or bottled there. Over recent days, 10 US states have banished Russian vodka from shelves in a show of solidarity with Ukraine. Halewood, which owns a distillery in St Petersburg, plans to launch “British-made” JJ Whitley by the end of March. Out of respect for the situation, we have removed all references to the ‘Remarkably Russian’ campaign across all our JJ Whitley communications”, she added.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits is moving production of its JJ Whitley vodka brand from Russia to the UK following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Grocer has learned.