Notably, 52 Ukrainian companies presented an array of agri-food offerings, highlighting Ukraine’s growing role in the global food and beverage market.
1. Ukrainian Presence at Gulfood
1.1 Two National Stands
- First National Stand
- Featured 10 food manufacturers, including 7 exporters of organic products. - “National Dairy Stand of Ukraine”
- Showcased cheeses, cheese snacks, butter, milk, cream, and plant-based dairy alternatives. - Ukrainian Bean and Soybean Association
- Debuted its own exhibit with 4 domestic companies introducing high-quality bean and soybean products.
1.2 Innovation Recognition
Two Ukrainian products gained special attention in the Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025 nominations:
- Cheese Balls (LLC “PRIME SNACK,” TM sNeco) – Best Ready-to-Eat Product category.
- Organic Unglazed Children’s Sticks “Apple-Plum-Vanilla” (LLC “DPK WISE,” TM Dear Baby) – Best Snacks/Baked Products category.
Additionally, PRIME SNACK’s cheese balls were highlighted in the Next Level Product category of the official Gulfood digest, underscoring their uniqueness and innovative character.
1.3 Networking Achievements
- Exhibitors at the National Stand of Ukraine and the National Dairy Stand conducted over 800 meetings with importers from various regions, paving the way for potential new contracts and distribution channels.
2. Potential of Ukrainian Agri-Food Exports
2.1 Dairy Sector Growth
- 2024 Dairy Export Figures:
- 117.73 thousand tons of dairy products valued at $295.03 million—an increase of 8% in volume and 14% in revenue compared to 2023. - Key Export Segments (Monetary Share in December 2024):
- Condensed Milk & Cream – 32%
- Cheeses – 22%
- Butter – 20%
- Fresh Milk & Cream – 9%
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Market
Ukrainian dairy products found strong demand in MENA, accounting for over 10% of the total value of dairy exports in 2024. The sector’s ability to meet evolving consumer preferences in this region underscores its global competitiveness.
2.2 Organic Exports Surge
- 68% Rise in exports from companies certified by Organic Standard.
- Organic Initiative Survey: Among 150 exporting companies, 54% plan to enter new markets. The top destinations include France, USA, Switzerland, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Israel—mirroring the leading export list from 2024.
- Product Strategy: While 88% of exporters continue with existing product lines, 12% are developing new items.
3. Future Outlook
- Expanding Market Reach
- Ukrainian companies are increasingly setting their sights on premium and specialty segments, such as organic and plant-based offerings, to cater to health-conscious consumers worldwide.
- Innovation & Product Development
- Recognition at Gulfood demonstrates high innovation capacity, from unique cheese-based snacks to natural fruit-based children’s products.
- Global Brand Building
- Continued presence at international exhibitions helps Ukrainian brands forge partnerships, attract investments, and solidify a reputation for quality and reliability.
4. Conclusion
The participation of 52 Ukrainian companies at Gulfood 2025 has reinforced Ukraine’s position as a vibrant player in the global agri-food sector. With robust dairy exports, surging organic production, and innovative new products, Ukraine stands poised to expand its footprint in Middle Eastern, North African, and other international markets. The positive reception and multiple award nominations signal promising growth opportunities for Ukraine’s food industry, reflecting innovation, quality, and a steadfast commitment to meeting worldwide consumer demand.
