For many companies, an international trade fair means a few days of presentations, dozens of new contacts, and hundreds of conversations. For ALTE FOODS LLC, however, participating in BIOFACH 2026 became much more than that: it was an opportunity to establish its presence on the global stage, demonstrate the resilience and reliability of Ukrainian business during wartime, and lay the groundwork for a partnership that, several years later, evolved into a tangible international contract.

From a Modern Processing Facility to a Link in the Global Supply Chain

The story of ALTE FOODS LLC began in 2021 with the implementation of an investment project to establish a modern berry processing and freezing facility. From the outset, the team pursued a far more ambitious goal than simply launching production. The company set out to build a business capable of operating in accordance with international standards and becoming a reliable partner for global food manufacturers.

“From the very beginning, our vision was not just to build a factory. Our goal was to create a well-structured business that operates according to international standards — with high-quality raw materials, transparent processes, quality control at every stage, and a strong commitment to our customers,” says Viacheslav Bublyk, Director of the company.

Today, the company serves as an important link between Ukrainian berry producers and global markets. Its operations not only create export opportunities but also foster the development of local farms, generate demand for high-quality raw materials, and help small-scale producers integrate into international supply chains.

“For many berry crops, even a 1-2-hectare plot cultivated by a single family can provide a stable annual income. However, achieving this requires more than just a good harvest. Farmers need access to markets, a clear understanding of quality requirements, and a reliable partner capable of integrating their products into international supply chains. We are not a large enterprise, but we strive to connect Ukrainian raw material producers with international companies manufacturing fruit ingredients for the dairy industry, food service, retail, and the food industry as a whole,” adds the Head of ALTE FOODS LLC.

According to him, the company's primary target markets are the countries of the European Union. It is a highly demanding market where quality, food safety, traceability, reliable supply, and trust are essential. At the same time, it is precisely this market that is strategically important for ALTE FOODS LLC, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate that a Ukrainian company can become an integral part of global supply chains and meet the expectations of international customers.

“If we look at frozen raspberry exports to the EU, Serbia has traditionally been one of the key players. For many years, it maintained strong market positions, high recognition, and a stable presence in international markets. However, recent years have revealed an important shift: Serbia's exports have been gradually declining, while Ukraine has been steadily expanding its presence. This does not mean that Ukraine has already fully replaced Serbia, but the trend is clear — Ukrainian producers are becoming increasingly visible in the global frozen berry market. For us, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge,” says Viacheslav Bublyk.

Results Measured Not in Days, but in Years

At ALTE FOODS LLC, the team openly acknowledges that throughout their participation in international trade fairs, they have never signed a contract directly at an exhibition stand. A trade fair is only the beginning of a long-term process. Once the event is over, the real work begins: sending certificates, commercial offers, and product samples, responding to technical inquiries, and maintaining consistent communication with every prospective partner.

This systematic approach ultimately led to one of the company's most significant outcomes from BIOFACH 2026. ALTE FOODS LLC secured an agreement with a German juice manufacturer—a partner with exceptionally high standards for product quality, raw material traceability, and quality control throughout every stage of production. What makes this partnership particularly remarkable is that the two companies first met during ALTE FOODS' initial participation in BIOFACH in 2022. Nearly four years of negotiations followed, including extensive correspondence, the exchange of technical documentation, assessments of production processes, and evaluations of the company's capabilities.

“This example perfectly illustrates the reality of international trade. A trade fair does not always deliver immediate results. Sometimes, it simply opens the door. However, if a company continues to work professionally afterwards, maintains regular communication, proves its reliability, and stays on the partner's radar, that initial meeting can eventually turn into a real international contract—even several years later,” emphasizes Viacheslav Bublyk.

BIOFACH: An Opportunity to Build Visibility and Demonstrate Reliability

At ALTE FOODS LLC, participation in international trade fairs is regarded as one of the company's key export development tools. The company first took part in BIOFACH in 2022—a time when it was particularly important for Ukrainian businesses to maintain the trust of international partners and demonstrate that, despite the full-scale war, they remained operational and continued to fulfill their commitments.

As Viacheslav Bublyk, Director of ALTE FOODS LLC, recalls:

“It was a signal to our partners that the company was alive, the team was working, production was continuing, and we were ready to remain a reliable supplier even under extremely challenging circumstances. We wanted to demonstrate that Ukrainian exports are not a temporary phenomenon or a series of one-off deliveries. They are built on systematic work, responsibility toward customers, and a commitment to being a dependable part of global supply chains”.

At the same time, the company emphasizes that a trade fair is far more than an opportunity to showcase products. Above all, it provides a chance to meet potential partners in person, gain a deeper understanding of their needs, and lay the foundation for long-term cooperation. That is why preparation begins long before the exhibition opens its doors.

“My formula is simple: about 90% of a trade fair's success depends on the homework a company completes beforehand. You need to identify in advance whom you want to meet, which products you will present, what promotional materials you need, what questions potential customers are likely to ask, and how your team will answer them,” says the company's Director.

According to him, it is equally important to organize work effectively during the exhibition itself: maintaining a well-planned meeting schedule, setting clear priorities, documenting key discussions, and planning follow-up actions immediately after each meeting. This approach helps ensure that promising leads are not lost and that every business meeting delivers maximum value.

The company also highlights the importance of national pavilions and export support programmes. For medium-sized businesses, participating independently in international trade fairs often involves substantial costs, including stand construction, logistics, promotional materials, and team preparation. Support provided by the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office and the national Diia.Business initiative significantly lowers these barriers, enabling companies to present their products professionally while being part of a unified Ukrainian pavilion alongside other domestic producers.

“These events are important not only for individual companies but also for the country's image. When buyers see not just one isolated company but an entire Ukrainian pavilion, it creates a completely different perception. Ukraine is seen as a systematic and reliable supplier rather than simply an occasional exporter of raw materials,” says Viacheslav Bublyk.

Export Is a Long Game

Despite the results already achieved, the company is not slowing down. Some of the contacts established during BIOFACH 2026 are still in the negotiation phase or undergoing product evaluation, while the team continues to work systematically with prospective customers.

Drawing on several years of experience at international trade fairs, ALTE FOODS LLC identifies patience, consistency, and a willingness to invest time in building trust as the key ingredients of export success.

“My advice to Ukrainian companies planning to enter international markets is not to expect immediate results and not to give up after the first rejection or after participating in their first trade fair. Exporting is a long game. You need to be prepared to present your company time and again, answer challenging questions, continuously improve your processes, maintain communication with potential partners, and keep moving forward,” concludes Viacheslav Bublyk.

The experience of ALTE FOODS LLC demonstrates that international trade fairs are much more than an opportunity to find new business partners. They are also a platform to show that Ukrainian products are backed by modern production facilities, a professional team, and a systematic approach to doing business. Sometimes, a single conversation at an exhibition stand becomes the starting point of a partnership that ultimately opens up new opportunities for both business growth and the expansion of Ukrainian exports.