From 19 to 23 October  2024, Paris will become the epicenter of the global food industry, hosting the prestigious SIAL Paris 2024 exhibition. This large-scale event brings together leading players from around the world, providing a unique opportunity for Ukrainian producers to enter new markets, showcase their products, and establish international partnerships. Six Ukrainian organic companies are preparing to participate in this global exhibition within  the National Stand of Ukraine, each with its own ambitions and success stories.

Galeks-Agro: Diverse Organic Crops for the European Market

Founded in 2008, Galeks-Agro specializes in the cultivation and processing of exclusively organic agricultural products and organic honey production. Participation in international exhibitions has always played a crucial role in the company’s growth strategy. Since its establishment, Galeks-Agro has actively presented itself at top trade fairs like Biofach, Anuga, SIAL, and Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo, significantly expanding its network of partners and strengthening its international standing. Today, the company operates successfully on the European markets, and participation in SIAL opens up new opportunities for expanding its exports.

“We aim to broaden our horizons, attract new clients, and provide high-quality organic products to European consumers,” says Vita Osinska, the company’s export manager.

Catanzaro Eurasia (Alta Kraina): New Horizons for Ukrainian Organic Berries, Fruits, and Vegetables

Catanzaro Eurasia has been representing Ukraine at major international exhibitions for a long time under the brand Alta Kraina. The company's organic frozen berries, vegetables, fruits, concentrated juices, and fruit purees are already exported to various European countries. As Alla Ponomarenko, managing partner of the company, explains, "Participation in exhibitions is not just about showcasing products; it’s a way to understand market trends and anticipate future demands."

"Our goal is not only to supply high-quality organic products but also to offer exceptional service. The best feedback we receive is when clients return, appreciating the convenience and pleasure of working with us," adds  Alla Ponomarenko.

Participation within the National Stand of Ukraine at SIAL Paris 2024 opens new horizons for the company. While it already has a strong presence on the European markets, the company is also keen to explore opportunities in Asia and North America. Company representatives emphasize the immense potential of these markets, with international exhibitions serving as a key to unlocking them. The company also plans to establish its own production facilities and is actively seeking partners to bring these ambitious plans to life.

Organic Milk: Steps to Success on the International Organic Dairy Market

Organic Milk will make its debut at SIAL Paris 2024 as part of the National Stand of Ukraine, leveraging its extensive experience at global trade exhibitions. Founded in 2013, the company leads the Ukrainian organic market with its "farm-to-table" concept, producing around 60 organic dairy products through a closed-cycle system. At SIAL Paris 2024, Organic Milk will showcase its wide range of dairy products, including UHT milk, kefirs, butter, sour cream, cheeses, and a lactose-free product line.

“Our organic products are unique because they are produced within a closed-cycle system, from raw material production to the finished product. This ensures the highest quality and safety,” says a company representative.

“For us, entering the French market, a country with rich traditions of organic consumption, is critical. We aim not only to expand our presence in Europe but also to make Ukrainian organic products globally recognized,” notes company director Olena Stretovych. Organic Milk currently exports to Poland, Germany, and Italy, and the Paris exhibition could be a gateway to the French market.

Stodola: From Tradition to Innovation in Organic Products

Stodola specialises in growing organic fruits and vegetables and processing them into organic canned goods like snacks, pickles, sauces, and jams. The company is preparing to present an entire line of innovative organic products at the exhibition, including vegetable crackers made from amaranth, flax, and hemp, vegetable chips from kale, kohlrabi, and chard, as well as fruit smoothies and sugar-free dips.

The company is actively targeting markets in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the EU. Its primary goal is to establish a wide network of prospective contacts and continue negotiations for new contracts. A contract with an American company has already been signed, with the first shipment expected soon.

"We strive to introduce innovative, organic, and functional products that combine taste and accessibility. SIAL Paris 2024 is our opportunity to enter new markets and prove that Ukraine can be a leader in the food industry," emphasises CEO Yan Ostrovskyi.

Healthy Generation: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

Healthy Generation focuses on "Free From" products, including gluten-free pasta, breakfast cereals, confectionery, and organic amaranth-based products such as oil, flakes, and flour. For the company, participating in SIAL Paris 2024 is a critical step in its strategy to enter new markets, including France, Italy, and Spain.

According to the company’s founder, previous exhibitions have opened doors to international partners and investors. Now, Healthy Generation is looking forward to securing new contracts. “We don’t just sell products; we promote a healthy lifestyle by offering natural, high-quality ingredients,” says CEO Andrii Sazonovskyi.

At the National Stand of Ukraine, the company will showcase its innovative naturally fermented products, which, according to the founder, could become a unique offering in the European market. Entering new markets is a long-term process, but the Healthy Generation team is committed to steady growth and building strong partnerships.

Сhemex LTD (ProOrganica): Organic Resilience Amidst Challenges

Chemex LTD, a well-known Ukrainian processor and exporter of organic grains, oilseeds, and legumes, regularly participates in international exhibitions, successfully promoting its ProOrganica brand. Through participation in leading international trade fairs like Biofach and Anuga, the company has already established important contacts and secured lucrative deals.

This year, Chemex LTD plans to enter the Northern European markets, particularly in Scandinavia. “We see great potential in these regions, especially among processing companies interested in long-term cooperation,” the company states. The SIAL exhibition will provide another opportunity to strengthen its position in the B2B segment by showcasing high-quality organic agricultural products.

The company also shares a story of resilience during the occupation: “Products prepared for export before the full-scale war remained at our facility in Rozhiv village Bucha district. Only after the de-occupation of Kyiv region were we able to resume production and fulfill export deliveries.” This experience highlights the determination and resilience of Ukrainian organic producers, who are ready to return to the market with new ideas and products despite the challenges.

Conclusion

The National Stand of Ukraine at SIAL Paris 2024 offers a crucial platform for Ukrainian organic exporters to access international markets and demonstrate the quality and innovation of Ukrainian organic products, fostering global partnerships and driving growth in the organic sector. Each exhibitor follows a unique path, but they share a common goal: to show the world that Ukrainian organic products deserve a place on the international stage.

Find out more about the companies and their products.

The National Stand of Ukraine at SIAL Paris 2024 is organized by the Ukrainian Food Association under the patronage of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, in partnership with the State Institution "Entrepreneurship and Export PromotionOffice," the state project Diia.Business, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Embassy of Ukraine in France, Nazovni platform, and with the support of:

• Switzerland, within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian program "Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine" (QFTP), implemented by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL, Switzerland) in partnership with SAFOSO AG (Switzerland);

• The European Union and the German government through the international cooperation program "EU4Business: Recovery, Competitiveness, and Internationalization of SMEs," implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.