The modern food industry is advancing at a remarkable pace, with new brands like the Ukrainian startup snEco offering innovative solutions for conscious consumers. Founded in 2020, snEco aims to revolutionize the approach to everyday snacking. What makes this brand unique?

snEco creates its products based on principles of naturalness and environmental responsibility. The company is actively expanding into international markets, participating in key food industry events such as Anuga, Gastro Nord, and SIAL. What journey has the entrepreneur behind snEco undertaken, and how has participating in international exhibitions influenced the brand’s growth? Let’s hear it straight from the source.

The Story Behind snEco’s Creation
The idea for snEco was born from the founders’ desire to make healthy snacks accessible to everyone. The primary challenge they faced early on was the short shelf life of fresh cheese and the need to store it in refrigerators. By leveraging their patented low-temperature dehydration technology, they developed cheese snacks that can be stored without refrigeration while retaining all the product's nutritional benefits.

Participation in International Exhibitions

A key step in the international development of snEco was its participation in major exhibitions such as Anuga 2023, Gastro Nord 2024, and SIAL. Each of these events brought the company new opportunities and achievements.

Anuga 2023 opened the Western European market for the company. Following the exhibition, several contracts were signed with distributors, including the German company Monolit Group.

«The German market shows significant interest in products that combine naturalness and sustainability,» commented Vadym Gryshyn, one of the co-founders.

Gastro Nord 2024 in Sweden marked another important milestone in the brand's development. The Nordic countries demonstrated a strong demand for natural snacks, particularly within the HoReCa industry. After the exhibition, negotiations began for initial contracts with Swedish partners.

SIAL Innovation Award: A First for Ukraine

A defining moment for snEco was its participation in the SIAL international exhibition in France, where the brand received the prestigious SIAL Innovation Award. This award symbolizes excellence in innovation and is granted only to those who impress with their uniqueness and technological advancements.

Winning this award amidst such intense competition was a true breakthrough.

«This year’s SIAL featured hundreds of contenders from around the world. snEco passed three selection stages, including a review by a distinguished jury, product testing, and tasting. It was a challenging process, but our product proved it could compete on the global stage,» shared Vadym Gryshyn.

snEco became the first Ukrainian brand to receive this prestigious award at such a large-scale event.

«This is not just recognition; it is proof that Ukrainian brands can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading global players. We are proud to represent Ukraine on the world stage and to inspire others to pursue bold innovations,» added Vadym Gryshyn.

Exhibition Participation Results

Participation in international exhibitions enabled the brand to enter new markets and secure contracts with distributors in Germany, France, and Sweden. In 2023, production volumes increased by 50%, prompting the company to plan its expansion into the markets of Poland and the United States.

Mentorship Support: A Key to Success

Additionally, the company participated in the Mentorship Support Program offered by the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office. The program, Mentorship Support for Developing an Individual Export Plan, helps businesses, under the guidance of experts, to create effective strategies for entering international markets. Participants receive comprehensive support: from resource assessment and export readiness evaluation to market research, target market selection, strategy development, pricing, product positioning, customer acquisition, and creating a step-by-step action plan for successful scaling.

«Thanks to the mentorship support, we gained a deeper understanding of market specifics, practical advice on export procedures, certification, and adapting our marketing strategies. The knowledge we’ve acquired strengthens our position in negotiations with international partners and accelerates snEco’s entry into new markets,» emphasizes Vadym Gryshyn.

Future Plans

Over the next 2-3 years, the brand plans to expand its sales geography to include Poland, Germany, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, France, Italy, and the United States. The company is also working on developing new product flavors aligned with healthy eating trends. One of the upcoming innovations is a functional snack enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

«We aim to become an international leader in the healthy snacks segment by combining innovation and sustainable development,» concludes Vadym Gryshyn.

The story of snEco is an example of a successful Ukrainian startup that has achieved global recognition through innovation and environmental care. From participating in exhibitions to receiving international awards, the company is confidently reaching new heights while staying true to its principles of quality and sustainability.