Nestlé reviewing Russia operations after Kremlin moves to seize assets

The Nescafé and KitKat maker currently operates six production facilities in Russia and employed 7,000 staff at the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022

Swiss F&B giant Nestlé is assessing its options in Russia after its business in the country was placed under temporary external administration.

A new decree, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 17 September 2026, saw authorities seize Nestlé’s assets in response to Western sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. While Nestlé continues to own its brand in Russia, the measures mean it will no longer be able to exercise autonomous control over its assets.