Chocolate production for Dove and Korkunov brands will cease in Russia
Mars Chocolate and Candy Products Discontinued at Pyaterochka due to Pricing Disagreements
Pyaterochka, a Russian retailer owned by the X5 Group, has stopped supplying a range of Mars confectionery products, including Snickers, Twix, and Bounty, due to perceived inflated prices. The decision was confirmed by both X5 and Mars' Russian office.
The suspension of Mars products shipments, which also includes Mars bars, Milky Way, M&M's, Skittles, candies such as Korkunov, and chewing gums like Orbit, Eclipse, and Wrigley's, began on July 23, 2025. According to X5 representatives, the existing stock of these products is expected to last until around September 2025.
In contrast, Mars pet food brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, Kitekat, Perfect Fit, Sheba, and Royal Canin continue to be supplied and sold in Pyaterochka stores.
Regarding the replacement of Mars confectionery products, no specific brands or products have been announced by Pyaterochka. The focus has been primarily on the suspension of Mars chocolate and candy products.
Meanwhile, Mars' confectionery plant has announced a gradual phase-out of chocolate bars under the Dove and "Korkunov" brands from its assortment, with the phase-out scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2025. The company will continue producing "Korkunov Pure Choco" mini bars and Dove Promises chocolate candies.
It's worth noting that the decision to phase out certain chocolate bars is being made to optimize the business model and maximize the efficient use of available resources. The phase-out of Dove and "Korkunov" chocolate bars is due to the supplier's conditions not aligning with fair pricing principles.
This news was reported by RIA Novosti. Mars has not announced any plans to discontinue its entire chocolate production.
[1] X5 Group press release, July 23, 2025. [2] Mars Russia press release, July 23, 2025.
- The ongoing pricing disagreements have caused Pyaterochka to discontinue a variety of Mars finance products, such as Snickers, Twix, and Bounty, which are part of their food-and-drink assortment, affecting consumers' lifestyle preferences.
- Despite the discontinuation of Mars chocolate and candy products, the business relationship between Pyaterochka and Mars seems to remain unaffected when it comes to Mars' pet food brands, like Pedigree, Whiskas, Kitekat, and Royal Canin.
