The mass exodus of Western companies from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine has created an unexpected opportunity for Russian companies and entrepreneurs. While the major soft drink producers are abandoning Russia, local producer Chernogolovka wants to dominate and conquer a large part of the Russian domestic soft drink market. And this one is worth close to US$9 billion.
Chernogolovka, which makes snacks, water bottles, herbal lemonades, energy drinks and, since May, Chernogolovka Cola, has managed to double its business this year, said CEO Natalia Sakhnina, so it plans to reach a 30 percent market share in two years.
“We were, are and will be the leading Russian beverage producer. We hope and are working to achieve absolute leadership in the Russian market,” Sakhnina said.
Chernogolovka (Czarnogłówka), named after the city near Moscow, in addition to its Cola soft drink, produces an energy drink named after a Siberian lake, and Duchess, a lemonade, which are also sold at Burger King and KFC. It also does not rule out expanding the range of beverages it supplies to Burger King.
However, Burger King suspended corporate support for its Russian locations in March, but because of a complex legal web, it has been unable to close its approximately 800 franchised locations.
