Mexican company that suspended its operations in Ukraine after the invasion of the Russian army

Before the invasion of the Russian army in Ukraine, a Mexican company in the European country had to suspend its operations from this February 24.

It is about Gruma, one of the largest producers of flour and corn tortillas in the world, whose plant is located in the central city of Cherkasy, about 160 kilometers southeast of the capital Kiev, which in the next few hours could be taken over. entirely by Russian troops, according to US authorities.

Altera Azteca Milling Ukraine a subsidiary of Gruma, reported this Friday through its website that at least 500 people work at the plant, all Ukrainians, so it was not necessary to repatriate Mexican employees.

The company described the situation as “complex” after the Ukrainian army closed its seaports due to the Russian offensive, so it will not be able to export to clients in Israel and other countries, which will now receive the product from other units of the company located in Italy and Turkey. However, he clarified that Ukraine’s sales only represent 0.6% of the total.

Meanwhile, the plant located in Russia operates normally. In this complex, the company invested 50 million dollars in 2017 and where it produces wheat tortillas and corn chips.

The company’s sales volume in Europe, which includes Ukraine and Russia, increased 17% to 108,000 metric tons during the fourth quarter of 2021. The tortilla business recorded sales volume growth of 26% as The company continues with its penetration strategy in the retail market, coupled with a positive performance in the institutional channel, which has already returned to pre-pandemic levels.