Unilever Keeps Faith With Russian Market

Consumer goods maker Unilever is keeping faith in Russia as an important growth market and is ready to plow money into factories and acquisitions there despite a slowing economy.

Consumer goods maker Unilever is keeping faith in Russia as an important growth market and is ready to plow money into factories and acquisitions there despite a slowing economy.

Unilever Chief Executive Paul Polman said he met First Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich last week and they discussed the Anglo-Dutch company's long-term investments.

"We talked other investments we continue to make to be sure that we grow our business here," he said during a visit to Moscow.

Foreign companies have been reviewing their growth plans in Russia since it annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in response to the overthrow of Ukraine's Moscow-backed president in February, provoking the deepest crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the Cold War.

The standoff has taken its toll on the economy, which is now close to recession. Russia's government already acknowledged last November that the economy would lag global growth over the next two decades.

Unilever's Russian businesses include cosmetics maker Kalina, ice cream producer Inmarko, dressings maker Baltimor and its own factories producing Knorr soup and Lipton tea.

"Obviously [the Ukraine crisis] affects our business," said Polman. "The ruble is down, the Ukrainian currency is down. It is not helping the economic situation... and there are rules and regulations that have to be rewritten."

"Despite that, we are growing our market share in all our home and personal care businesses... We have a good business in Russia and we do not complain about that."

With many developed economies growing only slowly, Unilever has moved to focus on emerging markets including Russia and has been reviewing its range of global brands. It recently sold Skippy peanut butter, Wishbone salad dressings and Ragu and Bertolli pasta sauces in the U.S.

"You have to pull the weeds sometimes to let the flowers grow," Polman said in an interview.

He said Unilever was "nearly done" with a strategic review that is moving its portfolio away from mature, regional food brands to higher-growth, more profitable personal care brands with global consumer appeal.

"We sold P.F. Chang's and Bertolli frozen food, Wishbone, Ragu - and we buy things like Kalina or Alberto Culver which are in our strategic categories that we have globally."

Russia Sales Growth Slows

Unilever last year announced an upgrade of its cosmetics facility in St. Petersburg, allowing it to double production capacity, and a new industrial water purification facility. It also recently opened a research and development center for ice cream in Tula, south of Moscow.

"We prioritize organic growth, but we also continuously look at good bolt-on acquisitions and we have done some of them here. And we will continue with that strategy," said Polman.

He said Unilever's revenue growth in Russia dropped to a high single-digit percentage about a year ago from double digits but this did not worry him much as long as the company continued to increase its market share.

Unilever said in April it could sell dietary brand SlimFast, concluding its U.S. disposals. But analysts say more could come, such as a disposal of its underperforming spreads business that is mainly in the U.S. and Europe.

Polman said the spreads business, which accounts for around 7 percent of Unilever's sales, was not currently up for sale.

"We are growing market share now in spreads. We know how to run it efficiently... and we generate quite a lot of cash from our spreads business that we then can use to finance the expansion of the emerging markets," he said.

The business includes spreads like margarine, which are suffering in many markets from a consumer shift toward products seen as more natural, such as butter.

He did not rule out smaller disposals in the future.

"Once you have pulled the weeds, there are some other little weeds you have to pull," he said.

Cinema

The Moscow Times;19.06.2014;

Where to go and what to see if you like cinema and live in Moscow. Philip Seymour Hoffman starring in Anton Corbijn’s espionage thriller “A Most Wanted Man,” based on John Le Carre’s novel about a Chechen Muslim who illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the global war on terror.

Cinema Addresses

A Promise (Obeshchaniye, 2013): Patrice Leconte's romantic drama, set in Germany just before WWI, focuses on a married woman who falls in love with her husband's secretary. Stars Rebecca Hall, Alan Rickman and Richard Madden.

Pioner Thurs. at 5:15 p.m., Fri. at 5:30 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:10 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Attila Marcel (2013): Thirty-something Paul has lived all his life in a drab Paris apartment with two aunts and a daily routine of constant piano practice. One day he meets his eccentric neighbour Madame Proust who helps him discover his past and find the key to finally live his own life. A comedy written and directed by Sylvain Chomet.

35MM Wed. at 1:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. In French; Russian subtitles.

Blended (Smeshanniye, 2014): After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families. Frank Coraci's comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 2:50 and 9:30 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 12:55, 6:50 and 11:30 p.m. Dubbed.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 3:15 and 7:35 p.m. Dubbed.

Cadences Obstinees (Obsessive Rhythms; Navyazchiviye Ritmy, 2013): Fanny Ardant's chamber drama tells the story of an impossible, obsessive love. Stars Asia Argento, Nuno Lopes, Gerard Depardieu, Franco Nero, Ricardo Pereira and Tudor Istodor.

35MM Thurs. at 5:10 p.m., Fri. at 1:10 and 5:10 p.m., Sat. at 3 p.m., Sun. at noon and 3:10 p.m., Mon. at 3 p.m., Tues. at 3:30 p.m., Wed. at 3 p.m. In French and Italian; Russian subtitles.

Pioner Thurs. at 1:15 p.m., Fri. at 11:15 and 1:30 a.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In French and Italian; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:25 a.m. In French and Italian; Russian subtitles.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 11:30 a.m. Dubbed.

Calvary (Golgofa, 2014): After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him. Directed by John Michael McDonagh, stars Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd and Kelly Reilly.

35MM Sat. at 10 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:05 a.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Chef (Povar na Kolyosakh, 2014): A restaurant chef who loses his job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise. Written and directed by Jon Favreau, stars Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson.

35MM Thurs. at 3:50 p.m., Fri. at 11 a.m. and 10:45 p.m., Sat. at 2:10 and 10:10 p.m., Sun. at 1 and 5:30 p.m., Mon. at 4:50 p.m., Wed. at 4:50 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pioner Thurs. at 11:05 a.m. and 7:15 p.m., Fri. at 9:20 a.m., 3:20 and 9:20 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:20 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 3:30 p.m. Dubbed.

Do Svidaniya, Mama (Goodbye, Mama, 2014): a family drama directed by Svetlana Proskurina.

Pioner Thurs. at 5:35 and 11:30 p.m., Fri. at 1:25 and 7:35 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 1:25 and 7:30 p.m.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Edge of Tomorrow (Gran Budushchego, 2014): An officer finds himself caught in a time loop in a war with an alien race. His skills increase as he faces the same brutal combat scenarios, and his union with a Special Forces warrior gets him closer and closer to defeating the enemy. Stars Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt and Bill Paxton.

Pioner Thurs. at 7:30 p.m. and 1:25 a.m., Fri. at 5:25 and 9:30 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:15 a.m. and 5:35 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 4:30 and 9:10 p.m. Dubbed.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 11 a.m. Dubbed.

Fading Gigolo (Pod Maskoi Gigolo, 2013): John Turturro directs and stars in his own comedy co-starring Woody Allen and Sharon Stone.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 9:25 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Fort Ross: V Poiskhakh Priklyucheny (Fort Ross; In Search of Adventures, 2014): Three TV journalists travel in time to find out more about this former Russian establishment on the west coast of North America. Directed by Yury Moroz.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 7:40 and 11:45 p.m.

Frank (2014): Young wannabe musician Jon discovers he's bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank. British comedy directed by Lenny Abrahamson stars Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

35MM Thurs. at 2 p.m., Sat. at 10 a.m. and 8:20 p.m., Sun. at 1:50 and 6:40 p.m., Mon. at 1 and 9 p.m., Tues. at 10:20 p.m., Wed. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pioner Thurs. at 9:40 p.m., Fri. at 11:40 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 1 and 11:45 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Globe on Screen: All's Well That Ends Well (Vsyo Khorosho, Chto Khorosho Konchayetsya): Globe Theater production of Shakespeare's play directed by John Dove.

Formula Kino Praga Sat. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Globe on Screen: The Taming of the Shrew (Ukroshcheniye Stroptivoi): 2012 production of the Globe Theater. Directed by Toby Frow, stars Samantha Spiro, Simon Paisley Day, Tom Anderson and David Beames.

Formula Kino Praga Sun. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Grace of Monaco (2014): The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle in the early 1960s. Directed by Olivier Dahan, stars Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth and Andre Penvern.

35MM Thurs. at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Fri. at 3:10 p.m., Sat. at 4:20 p.m., Sun. at 9:40 p.m., Mon. at 11:10 a.m., Tues. at 4:40 p.m. In English and French; Russian subtitles.

Pioner Thurs. at 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., Fri. at 11:30 a.m. and 3:25 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English and French; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:55 p.m. In English and French; Russian subtitles.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Kak Priruchit Drakona 2, 2014): When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. Animated adventure directed by Dean DeBlois.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 1:30, 3:30, 7:50 and 9:55 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 10, 10:30, 11:05 a.m., 12:10, 1:15, 2:20, 2:50, 3:25, 5, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55 p.m. and 12:05 a.m. Dubbed.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 1:15 a.m., 5:30 and 9:50 p.m. Dubbed.

In the Blood (Krovavaya Mest, 2014): When her husband goes missing during their Caribbean vacation, a woman sets off on her own to take down the men she thinks are responsible. John Stockwell's thriller starring Gina Carano, Cam Gigandet and Danny Trejo.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:15 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 11:55, 5:45 and 9:20 p.m. Dubbed.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 3:25 and 10:45 p.m. Dubbed.

Kite (2014): When her cop father is killed, a young woman tracks the murderer with the help of his ex-partner. Ralph Ziman's film starring Samuel L. Jackson, Callan McAuliffe and India Eisley.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 12:55 and 6:45 p.m. Dubbed.

Live From Stratford-upon-Avon: Henry IV. Part 1: Royal Shakespeare Theater production directed by Gregory Doran stars Jasper Britton.

Formula Kino City Wed. at 7:30 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Europe Wed. at 7:30 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Gorizont Thurs. at 7:30 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Maleficent (2014): A vindictive fairy is driven to curse an infant princess only to realize the child may be the only one who can restore peace. Directed by Robert Stromberg, stars Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 1:05, 5:25 p.m. and midnight. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 12:40, 3:15 and 9:15 p.m. Dubbed.

N'Importe Qui (WTF! Kakogo Chyorta?, 2014): French comedy written and directed by Raphael Frydman.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 3 and 8:50 p.m. Dubbed.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 1:45, 7:35 and 11:10 p.m. Dubbed.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 5:20 and 9 p.m. Dubbed.

National Theater Live: King Lear (Korol Lir): Sam Mendes' staging of Shakespeare stars Simon Russell Beale.

Formula Kino City Sun. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Europe Fri. at 7:30 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Gorizont Sun. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

National Theater Live: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Zagadochnoye Nochnoye Ubiistvo Sobaki): The National Theatre's acclaimed production based on Mark Haddon's award-winning mystery novel, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott.

Center of Documentary Cinema Fri. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Europe Sat. at 7 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Formula Kino Gorizont Tues. at 7:30 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Only Lovers Left Alive (Vyzhivut Tolko Lyubovniki, 2013): The story of two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, stars Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton and Mia Wasikowska.

Pioner Thurs. at 3:15 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English and French; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 7:25 p.m. In English and French; Russian subtitles.

Plastic (2014): Julian Gilbey's crime comedy about a group of students, who get on the wrong side of a sadistic crime boss, is based on a true story where a gang of friends managed to infiltrate one of the biggest credit card companies in the world.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 7:10 and 11:25 p.m. Dubbed.

Sobachy Rai (Dog Heaven, 2013): The story of a Russian family set in Moscow in 1953. Written by Alexander Adabashyan, directed by Anna Chernakova.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 10:40 a.m. and 5:25 p.m.

Stars in Shorts: a program of shorts starring Keira Knightley, Tom Mison, Jason Alexander, Judi Dench, Colin Firth Kenneth Branagh, Julia Stiles, Wes Bentley and others.

35MM Thurs. at 1:45, 8 and 10:45 p.m., Fri. at 4:50 and 9 p.m., Sat. at 12:30 and 6:15 p.m., Sun. at 3:40 and 8:30 p.m., Mon. at 7:50 and 10:45 p.m., Tues. at 3, 6:40 and 9 p.m., Wed. at 5:35 and 10:45 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

Pioner Thurs. at 3:25 and 9:25 p.m., Fri. at 1:40, 7:20 and 11:30 p.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In English; Russian subtitles.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn (Etim Utrom v Nyu-Iorke, 2014): A foul-tempered Brooklyner is told he has ninety minutes to live, sending him rushing all over New York to make amends. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, stars Peter Dinklage, Mila Kunis and Robin Williams.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 4:55 and 10:40 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. Directed by Wes Anderson, stars Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham and Mathieu Amalric.

35MM Fri. at 3 p.m. In English: Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 6:50 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

The MET. Live in HD: Cosi Fan Tutte (Tak Postupayut Vse Zhenshchiny): Mozart's 1789 comic opera about two young officers who disguise themselves as Turkish merchants to test their fiancees' fidelity.

Formula Kino Gorizont Sat. at 3 p.m. In Italian Russian subtitles.

Venus in Fur (Venera v Mekhakh, 2013): An actress attempts to convince a director that she's perfect for a role in his upcoming production. Roman Polanski's film based on the play of the same name by American playwright David Ives.

35MM Sun. at 10:20 p.m., Tues. at 10:45 p.m. In French and German; Russian subtitles.

Pioner See showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule. In French and German; Russian subtitles.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 3:05 and 8:45 p.m. Dubbed.

Vsyo i Srazu (Everything and at Once, 2014): Roman Karimov's crime comedy focuses on three provincial young men.

Pioner Thurs. at 9:10 a.m., Fri. at 1:10 a.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 4:45 and 10:35 p.m.

Pyat Zvyozd-Paveletskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 9:50 p.m.

Rolan Thurs. to Wed. at 11:50 p.m.

Wrong Cops (2013): A group of bad cops look to dispose of a body that one of them accidentally shot. Quentin Dupieux's crime comedy starring Mark Burnham, Eric Judor and Steve Little.

35MM Thurs. at 3:30 p.m., Fri. at 8 p.m., Mon. at 4:40 p.m., Tues. at 1:50 p.m. In English; Russian subtitles.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (Lyudi X: Dni Minuvshego Budushchego, 2014): The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that will result in doom for both humans and mutants. Directed by Bryan Singer, stars Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman.

Pyat Zvyozd-Novokuznetskaya Thurs. to Wed. at 6:55 p.m. Dubbed.

Ya ne Vernus (I Won't Come Back, 2014): Ilmar Raag's psychological drama follows two girls - Moscow student Anya on the run from police, and orphan Kristina, who is determined to find her grandmother in Kazakhstan.

35MM Thurs. at noon and 9 p.m., Sat. at 1:15 p.m., Mon. at 2:50 p.m., Tues. at 10:25 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., Wed. at 11:30 a.m.

Pioner Thurs. at 11:15 a.m., Fri. at 9:15 a.m. See further showings at pioner-cinema.ru/en/schedule

Zulu (2013): Two policemen investigate a massacre in apartheid South Africa, which apparently took place because a new illegal substance became available.

35MM Thurs. 7 and 9:50 p.m., Fri. at 7 and 9:45 p.m., Sat. at 6:20 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 11 a.m. and 7:40 p.m., Mon. at 7 and 9:40 p.m., Tues. at 1 and 7 p.m., Wed. at 3:30 and 8:45 p.m. In English and Afrikaans; Russian subtitles.

Vessel Believed to be Russian Tsarist Submarine Discovered in the Baltic

The Moscow Times;27.06.2014; The Moscow Times

Дата добавления: 2015-07-10