How the 'Soldier's Portion' Basturma Made Its Way to Krasnoyarsk: Clarification

Information has surfaced online indicating that basturma labeled 'Soldier's Portion,' which is designated for the army, has found its way to the Russian market through indirect channels, specifically in a store in Krasnoyarsk. The alert was issued by the Telegram channel 'White Bear.'

Since the basturma that appeared in the Krasnoyarsk shop was produced by 'Bayazet' company, we sought clarification from the producer on how it ended up in Russia if it was meant solely for military use.

Company director Harutyun Krpeyan explained in an interview with analitik.am: 'In fact, we had products with such labeling before 2018, when the Ministry of Defense announced tenders through state procurement for meat products like basturma, sujuk, and sausages. We had a label indicating that it was marked 'Soldier's Portion: Not for Sale.' However, from 2018 until 2020, we did not participate in any tenders because the Ministry of Defense did not announce any.' He added, 'The food supply system in the army has changed, as you know. Now, the army supplies food to soldiers and military units through canteens.'

It turns out that even if 'Soldier's Portion' food reached Russia and ended up for sale, it is certainly not an issue from the last two years. Harutyun Krpeyan emphasized that the product's expiration date is not visible in the widely circulated photograph; it is unclear whether this basturma was produced in 2018 or later. However, he does not rule out the possibility that employees mistakenly attached the particular labels left over from 2018 to their products, possibly not noticing and using an old version, which are very slightly different from each other.

According to Harutyun Krpeyan, 'We are a conscientious producer, and consumer assessment is very important to us. We are in the business world and want to work in a clean competitive environment, having our place and role in the development of our country's economy. We ask not to embroil us in political 'games' or 'fake' news; we are distant from them. 'Bayazet' company has never engaged in political activity, nor will it. Each of us should be in our place and do our work diligently. Our specific mission and goal are to provide our consumers with quality and affordable products.

Moreover, the pandemic and economic crisis have significantly harmed domestic production; political instability immediately affects the economy, putting the manufacturer's hard-earned reputation at risk over such meaningless topics. We provide jobs for residents of Kotayk Marz, and we want to develop our business and create new jobs under these conditions of unemployment. Our company has been and remains apolitical, trying to provide quality food and quality meat products to our population.'