Coca-Cola does not want to leave Russia

US soft drink giant Coca-Cola will sell its iconic product in Russia under the Dobry Cola brand, according to Teremok fast-food chain founder Mikhail Goncharov.

“We have received notification from Coca-Cola that the beverage will now be called Dobry Cola, formerly Coca-Cola. We’ll try to sell it.” Goncharov said on Friday, as quoted by Interfax.

The new soft drink will have to compete with Russian companies that have launched their own colas, he added.

Interfax also cited a letter to employees from Zoran Bogdanovich, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, announcing the cessation of production and sales of Coca-Cola brands in Russia.

The US company announced plans to cease operations in Russia in March and join the exodus of other iconic Western brands, including McDonalds, amid sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine.

Coca-Cola operated 10 factories in Russia and produced soft drinks like Fanta, Sprite and Schweppes, as well as local brands like Bonaqua, Dobry, Moya Semya and Rich Juice.