10 March 2022
Woolworths is moving to change the name of its own brand Chicken Kievs to Chicken Kyiv in recognition of the true name of the Ukrainian capital city.
The updated terminology will be made to Woolworths Deli and Woolworths brand Chicken Kyiv only, and visible immediately on the Woolworths website, and flow to deli signage, print catalogues, product packaging, and more in the weeks ahead.
‘Woolworths gets it – Ukraine is different to Russia. Ukraine has its own language, its own culture, its own history. That’s why using the Russian spelling for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in ‘Chicken Kiev’ has always offended Ukrainians,’ said Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM.
“The change being made by Woolworths shows respect for Australian-Ukrainians. It’s also a local action about a global issue. By changing the name of Chicken Kiev to Chicken Kyiv, a major Australian business has shown it stands with Ukraine in support of democracy, decency and peace.
“We hope other food providers can make the same change Woolworths has made. As Ukraine continues to suffer, we invite all Australian businesses to consider how they can be socially responsible and incorporate their values into their business practices.”
A Woolworths Group spokesperson said, ‘In our discussion with the AFUO, we heard this was a small, but meaningful change we could make to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians living in Australia’.
Woolworths will also donate $.50 cents from the sale of each pack of its own brand Chicken Kyiv over the next four weeks to the Red Cross’ Ukraine Appeal. Woolworths has also conducted internal fundraising for the Red Cross’ Ukraine Appeal, raising nearly $10,000 to date.
Other retailers overseas have also made the change in recent weeks.
Media Inquiries: Nadia Mencinsky, Media Liaison, AFUO 0416 253 963
