Investment in the agro-processing industry is part of Ukraine’s overall strategy to move from a commodity-based economy to a high value-added economy

This approach will not only increase the profitability of the agricultural sector, but also contribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian economy as a whole by opening up new markets and export opportunities. 

The FIT for Ukraine Bukovyna Industry Forum brought together some 500 large and medium-sized enterprises from Bukovyna, government representatives, investors, financial institutions and retail chain managers: Fruit and vegetable processing in Chernivtsi.

The agenda of the second panel of the event focused on investments in innovative fruit and vegetable processing.

Key messages from the speakers

• “The Ukrainian government has launched a recycling grant programme. The grant is up to UAH 7 million and covers up to 50% of the cost of recycling. The Ukraine Facility also has EUR 8 billion to support businesses where recycling is a priority, so I urge businesses to prepare projects!”, – Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of  Ukraine. 

• “PAIH’s objectives are to increase domestic investment in Poland and abroad and to support foreign investment. The organisation supports the development of entrepreneurship and competitiveness in Ukrainian regions, conducts training for Ukrainian companies interested in relocating or starting their business in Poland. On 9 June 2002, PAIH launched the registration of a project aimed at preparing for the resumption of exports and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. More than 2,800 Polish companies have applied for the programme”, – Tetiana Chuzha, Business Development Manager, Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH).

• “One in seven industrial companies in Germany produces food. In terms of employment, the food industry is the fourth largest industrial sector in Germany. It makes a significant contribution to the economic strength of the manufacturing sector. There are a total of 6,000 companies in the sector”, –  Reiner Perau, CEO, German Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce.

• “The information expected by an investor about a project includes a project proposal, business plan, pre-feasibility study, stage of implementation, owned or leased assets, permits, IRR, ROl, payback period, cash flow, P&L, required investment, project cost breakdown, planned debt/equity structure,” –  Sergiy Tsivkach, Managing Partner in Ukraine, Chicago Atlantic Trident.

• “Horticulturists in Poland are actively using new technologies to grow fruit and vegetables. These include drip irrigation systems for efficient water use, the use of fertilisers through spot irrigation and modern soil preparation methods to increase yields and product quality”, – Piotr Tyczynski, Project Manager “Sorter”.

• “We offer turnkey exports. Our main idea is not to take away the last of the farmer’s production, but to add value. The logistics centre currently brings together more than 70 farmers in the region. And that is more than 12,000 tonnes of apples”, – Vyacheslav Todosiychuk, Founder of the farm “PRIMA”.

• “EFT GROUP offers a complete cycle of work – from the supply of seedlings to the processing of the harvest. Our company offers fully equipped KOMBI lines for the production of direct squeezed juice, pasteurisation and filling into individual containers. Capacity – from 500 litres per hour to 15,000 litres per shift”, – Vadym Kuzminskyi, CEO, EFT Group.

The panel was moderated by Sergiy Tsivkach, Managing Partner in Ukraine, Chicago Atlantic Trident.

The aim of the forum was to create an information and presentation platform for agribusinesses, highlighting the prospects for investment in the region’s industry, increasing its competitiveness and export potential for the rapid recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy. 

The event also included an EXPO zone where regional companies presented their products and services. 

  Organisers:

• UkraineInvest – the Government Agency for Investment Promotion and Support

• Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration

• USAID Investing for Business Resilience Project

FIT for Ukraine is a series of investment forums for businesses interested in Ukraine’s reconstruction. In 2023, more than 7,000 people from 65 countries participated in FIT for Ukraine events.

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