Compass Group completes exit from Russian market

Compass Group has said it has completed its withdrawal from Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month the foodservice giant said it was “shocked and saddened” by the conflict and had decided to permanently exit the Russian market and move away from all known Russian suppliers.

In an update today (24 March), Compass said: “The disposal of the group’s operations in Russia has now been completed.”

It is understood the company’s presence in the region was small, representing less than 0.1% of its overall global business, and primarily focused on office catering.

Compass is understood to have employed around 800 people, mostly in the Moscow area.

The contract caterer made an initial donation of £250,000 to charities supporting Ukraine, although it has no operations in the country.

Other international hospitality groups have announced their intention to pause trading or pull out of Russia altogether since the invasion of Ukraine in February.

Jamie Oliver Group said it was exiting its franchise agreement in the country while Starbucks has suspended all business activity in the region.

Last week the parent company of Burger King claimed it was unable to close its 800 restaurants in Russia as its operator had “refused” to do so.

Image: Compass Group's building in Mississauga, Canada (JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock)