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Beauty giant Avon has come under fire for continuing to operate in Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a new study, BBC The UK-based company has discovered that it is not only actively recruiting new distributors in Russia, but also operates a large production operation in Moscow.
In March 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine broke out, Ukraine announced that it would suspend all investments in Russia and “stop the export of products from Russian factories to all other markets.”
Parent company Natura & Company has previously insisted that it maintains its relationship with Russia only in the interests of local women and children, who would be “severely affected” if access to its products was restricted. Ta.
However, the investigation revealed that Avon’s business dealings went beyond supporting existing salespeople and that the company was clearly recruiting new distributors in Russia.
The brand is expanding internationally, launching new physical stores and pivoting to social media sales.
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Registration for new distributors with the company is ongoing and rewards, cash bonuses and holidays will be offered upon reaching targets.
Avon Russia’s YouTube channel also features senior managers touting the value of Avon’s sales training and award ceremonies for agents.
Avon was founded 137 years ago and has been doing business in Russia for the past 30 years. According to the Russian website, the company is the country’s number one perfume brand.
The company prides itself on providing “vital support” to women who are working as independent entrepreneurs while maintaining family commitments.
Natura & Company said in a statement on its website that it “simply maintains its local products business to support members of Congress who are acting as independent entrepreneurs.”
“We believe that the world must come together for peace and act in solidarity with all those affected by this unacceptable human rights violation in Ukraine.”
Mark Dixon, founder of the Moral Ratings Agency, which focuses on companies’ relations with Russia after the Ukraine war, accused Avon of “moral washing”.
The brand is known for offering women the opportunity to be involved in family commitments
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he said this BBC: “How can [Avon] Do companies in good faith sell products to women and children that are supporting the economy behind President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine? ”
More than 2.5 billion units have been manufactured at the Naro-Fominsk factory in Moscow, which opened in 2004, and currently appear to be supplied exclusively to the Russian market.
Avon, which produces more than 220 cosmetics and perfume products at the site, said: BBC This factory serves the Russian market only. Natura & Co. claims there are no “economic advantages” to its presence in Russia.
An Avon spokesperson said: “Avon Russia supports women in Russia through locally-funded activities that support social selling businesses.
“We believe this is an important support for women whose livelihoods depend on Avon businesses.”