The Export to Sweden 2.0 program — a year-long comprehensive initiative — was designed to support Ukrainian food producers in their individual entry to one of the most advanced markets in the world.

It became a practical tool for Ukrainian businesses to better understand the specifics of the Swedish food market and prepare for entry. Through specially designed Road to Export trainings and tailored mentorship from Swedish experts, participating companies were able to develop their own strategies for entering this highly competitive market.

As part of the program, a business trip to Stockholm was organized, bringing together 18 Ukrainian food companies. A key element of the trip was participation in Big Meet Stockholm 2025 (29–30 September) — Sweden’s flagship summit dedicated to food technologies. This event is focused on foodtech, an innovative sector that combines advanced technology and sustainable practices in food production and processing.

Showcasing Ukrainian products
Participants of Export to Sweden 2.0 spent a year preparing for entry into one of Europe’s most demanding markets. All companies underwent a rigorous selection process to ensure their products meet the expectations of Swedish consumers.

A central feature of Big Meet Stockholm 2025 was the Test Kitchen — an interactive space entirely dedicated to Ukrainian companies. Visitors could taste products and observe dishes being prepared with Ukrainian ingredients by renowned Swedish chefs. This format vividly demonstrated that Ukrainian products meet the highest standards of modern gastronomy and can successfully integrate into Scandinavian cuisine.

Retailers, importers, distributors, and representatives of trade networks also had the opportunity to discover innovative solutions from Ukrainian brands already recognized with international awards. Among them: Fizi, Misso, Wanted Vegan, Panfruit (winner of the Anuga Taste Innovation Show 2025), snEco (SIAL 2024 Innovation Award, NASA technologies), as well as Senco Ukraine, Funny Sheep (Smart Snack Group), Sunfill, Berryland, and others.

Participating companies:

Results of Export to Sweden 2.0
Participants held over 300 B2B meetings, negotiated new supply contracts, established relevant contacts with potential importers, and presented innovative products directly to retailers and distributors. This strengthened Ukraine’s position as Sweden’s future strategic partner in food innovations.
As part of the annual Export to Sweden 2.0 program, five Ukrainian companies — including Smart Snack Group, Senco Ukraine, snEco, Prime Snack, SUNFILL, and Panfruit — have signed contracts and will already be featured on the shelves of major Swedish supermarkets starting this October. Another six companies are still in negotiations.

Panel discussion
The event also featured the panel discussion The Outmost Test of Resilience, with speakers Valentina Liashenko (Project Manager, Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office), Mariia Zaiets (Director of International Trade, Senco Ukraine), and Yuliia Karasevych (Director, Zernovyta).

They discussed Ukraine’s export potential, the resilience of Ukrainian businesses during wartime, and the role of innovation in the development of the food industry. Panelists also shared practical cases, including creating inclusive employment opportunities for veterans — an experience that drew significant interest from Swedish companies.

Valentina Liashenko emphasized that state support is a crucial component of business resilience. The Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office systematically provides such support, creating opportunities and conditions for companies to develop and expand into international markets. She also highlighted that Ukraine is steadily shaping a new reputation: from being the “breadbasket of Europe” to becoming a European hub of food innovation — transforming raw potential into branded quality recognized worldwide.

“Ukraine can become Sweden’s close partner in food innovation, providing not only products but also long-term food security. Our advantages are clear: geographical proximity and a lower carbon footprint of logistics, flexible producers able to respond quickly to crises, the rapid growth of organic and plant-based foods, and a thriving community of food startups and agro-innovators. This is more than just trade between two countries — it is co-creating a food system that is safe, diversified, modern, and future-ready,” — emphasized Valentina Liashenko.

This is confirmed by statistics: in 2024 alone, Ukraine exported $89 million worth of products to Sweden (sunflower oil, dairy, honey, and fruit), while total agri-food exports to the EU exceeded €13 billion. Meanwhile, the organic sector doubled to 163,000 tons.

Another important highlight of the trip was a closed B2B event for Ukrainian companies and leading Swedish retailers, distributors, and importers. It was attended by Anders Ahnlid, Director-General of the National Board of Trade Sweden, as well as members of the diplomatic corps. The event featured a menu developed by renowned Swedish chef Paul Svensson, consisting exclusively of dishes made with Ukrainian ingredients — a powerful demonstration of the flexibility and high quality of Ukrainian products in gastronomy.