Coca-Cola HBC has started manufacturing a local drink in Russia, "Dobry Cola", after halting the production and sale of Coca-Cola products, amid the mass departure of Western companies from the country earlier this year.
Dobry has been a juice brand in Russia, but Coca-Cola HBC, which is an independent bottler of Coca-Cola Co, said earlier this month that it was exploring expanding existing local brands.
"Dobry Cola" has no relationship with Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola Co, Coca-Cola HBC said in a statement. The Coca-Cola Co has a 23% stake in Coca-Cola HBC.
The Interfax news agency on Friday quoted the founder of Russian fast-food chain Teremok as saying he had received a notice from the company about "Dobry Cola" and was trying to sell it in his restaurants.