Czech Republic
Lindt & Sprüngli
Known For: Premium Swiss chocolate with a silky texture and rich flavor, including the iconic Lindor truffles.
Employees: Approximately 14,000 globally
Farming & Ethics: Lindt sources its cocoa through its own sustainability program, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, which focuses on full traceability and better farmer incomes. It has invested in child labor monitoring and aims to eliminate exploitation in its supply chain.
Toms
Known For: Classic Danish confectionery with brands like Anthon Berg, Galle & Jessen. Famous for marzipan and liquorice as well as chocolate.
Employees: Between 1,200–1,700 depending on season
Farming & Ethics: Toms has committed to responsible sourcing and works with suppliers to ensure fair treatment of cocoa farmers, but currently lacks full traceability and direct farmer support programs.
Ferrero
Known For: Beloved for its Nutella spread and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, as well as Kinder chocolates.
Employees: Approximately 47,000 globally
Stance on Russia: Despite initial statements about scaling back, Ferrero continues to operate in Russia. Its Russian factory remains open and products are still sold.
Godiva
Known For: Luxury Belgian chocolates, famous for gourmet truffles, pralines, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Employees: Approximately 2,500–5,000 globally
Stance on Russia: Continues to operate in Russia via its parent company. Godiva is part of Pladis, which has maintained its business in Russia.
Nestlé
Known For: Brands like KitKat, Smarties, and Quality Street. Recognized for a vast product range; faced backlash over continued Russian operations.
Employees: Approximately 273,000 globally.
Stance on Russia: Continues operations in Russia, focusing on essential products; some brands remain available in Russian markets.
Mondelez International (USA)
Known For: Cadbury (UK), Milka, Toblerone. Products are popular worldwide; ongoing Russian business has led to reputational challenges.
Employees: Around 80,000 globally.
Stance on Russia: Continues operations in Russia; designated as an "international sponsor of war" by Ukraine in 2023.
Photopea
Features: Web-based raster editor; Photoshop format compatible; works on Linux via browser
Price: Free with ads, $5/month
Our verdict: We just love Photopea and it works on any PC in the browser. It is so close to the Photoshop look, that you will not have any difficulties switching.
Alza
Known for: Electronics, appliances, and general merchandise
Employees: ~1,500
Availibility: Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany)
https://alza.cz
Pilsner Urquell
Ownership: Asahi Group (Japan), produced in Czechia
Beer brands: Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Gambrinus, Radegast
Employees (Europe): ~2,200 (all in Czechia)
Production: ~11M hl
Key markets: Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, UK, South Korea
Budweiser Budvar
Ownership: Czech state-owned, breweries in Czechia
Beer brands: Budweiser Budvar (Czechvar outside EU)
Employees (Europe): ~650 (all in Czech Republic)
Production: ~1.78M hl
Key markets: Czech Republic, Germany, UK, Slovakia, Austria
Leader Fox
Known for: Affordable e-bikes, including city, trekking, and mountain models, designed and assembled in-house.
Assembly Location: Assembled in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Motors & Batteries: Utilizes various systems, including Bafang and Panasonic, depending on the model.
Availability: Sold through dealers and the company's own e-shop.
https://www.leaderfox.cz
A Gift for putin
"A Gift for Putin" is a Czech volunteer initiative dedicated to supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression through crowdfunding campaigns. In March 2025, the initiative raised approximately €2.8 million from over 20,400 donors to purchase a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for Ukraine's defense.
Good quality T-shirts with iconic designs (understandably their e-shop is somewhat limited).
https://www.weaponstoukraine.com
Skoda Elroq
Known for: Compact crossover SUV. Although a bit larger, it's positioned as a small family EV.
Manufactured in: Czech Republic
Our take:
Available now!