FMCG distributors to indefinitely boycott Turkish chocolates, cosmetics

File photo

Distributors have decided to immediately withdraw Turkish-origin FMCG goods, including chocolates and cosmetics, from supply chains, warehouses, retail counters and platforms, as “Boycott Turkey” campaign gains momentum in India.

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), representing 4.5 lakh FMCG distributors and over 1.3 crore kirana stores across the country, has launched an indefinite and total boycott of all Turkish-origin FMCG goods, effective immediately, it said in a statement on May 19.

The backlash stems from Turkey’s support for Pakistan during its recent military conflict with India, during which swarms of drones, many of them of Turkish make, were fired at Indian defence and civilian areas.

"Currently Turkish products have a market of Rs 2,000 crore and consists mainly of the sale of Turkish chocolates followed by cosmetics, homecare, etc,” AICPDF president Dhairysheel Patil said.

Chocolates, wafers, jams, syrups, tea, coffee, cookies, layered cakes, and packaged sweets are among the goods facing the ban.

Other affected segments include personal-care items such as body washes, wet wipes, cosmetics and skincare products.

On May 16, the National Conference of Trade Leaders organised by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in New Delhi had passed a resolution of boycott Turkish goods, the statement said.

The government, too, is said to be reviewing trade ties with Turkey. The government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi, which provided ground handling services at nine major airports, citing national security.

Several universities and other educational institutes have cancelled or put on hold agreements with Turkish institutes. Some travel websites are no longer offering tickets or holiday packages for Tukey, a popular tourist destination among Indians.