- Content
Let’s start with an amazing fact. While someone in Ukraine is enjoying their favorite cookies or chocolate bars, the same treats made here are actively conquering store shelves in dozens of countries around the world. From neighboring Poland to distant Canada and the United States.
In this article, we will take a look behind the scenes of this phenomenon. We will not use complicated language of numbers and reports. Instead, we will explain why the world is increasingly falling in love with Ukrainian sweets.
The growth of Ukrainian confectionery products in the world
2023 was a real breakthrough for the industry. Ukraine sold 89,000 tons of bakery and confectionery products abroad, which is 29% more than a year earlier. Revenue from the export of these sweets amounted to $213 million, which is 40% more than in 2022.
In 2023, exports of sugar confectionery grew by 23% in volume (to 86,000 tons) and by 34% in monetary terms (to $186 million). Sales of chocolate and cocoa products abroad increased by 18% in volume (to 55 thousand tons) and by 32% in monetary terms (to $195 million).
So what exactly do foreign consumers like? The main “stars” of exports in 2023 were classic products: sweet dry biscuits and wafers. Crackers, croutons, and gingerbread are also popular.
Where is Ukrainian food most loved?
The European Union is our main strategic partner. In 2023, bakery products alone accounted for 57% of total exports in monetary terms, amounting to $122 million. Our closest neighbors became the biggest fans of our cookies and wafers in 2023. Romania and Poland are the leaders, each importing 14,000 tons of products. Moldova follows with 10,000 tons.
Significant batches of sweets are also regularly sent to Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria. Deliveries are made to the US, China, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Interestingly, different countries have their own taste preferences. For example, Kazakhstan is one of the main buyers of Ukrainian chocolate and also actively imports white chocolate, waffles, and cookies. Poland, among other things, is interested in white chocolate and candies.
The secret to success: quality, innovation, and health trends
Why are Ukrainian sweets becoming increasingly popular around the world? The answer to this question lies in a combination of three key factors: preserving traditions of quality, introducing innovations, and the ability to follow global trends, in particular the demand for healthy food.
Tradition and quality — our reliable foundation
Ukrainian sweets often win out thanks to their familiar, “homemade” taste, which is associated with childhood. This taste is based on the use of high-quality local ingredients. Ukraine is a powerful agricultural country that exports large quantities of grain, sunflower oil, and other agricultural products. This gives the confectionery industry access to high-quality flour, sugar, eggs, and dairy products, which are the basis for creating delicious and competitive products.
Organic and healthy sweets
The global organic chocolate market is growing rapidly. According to forecasts, by 2028, its volume could reach $19.5 billion. Modern consumers want to buy products that do not contain artificial colors, preservatives, GMOs, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides.
Ukraine is already one of the world leaders in this premium segment. According to the results of 2024, our country is among the top three largest exporters of organic products to the European Union.
Great opportunities for Ukrainian producers
An analysis of current trends shows that Ukrainian sweets are no longer just a local product for the domestic market. It is a powerful export industry that impresses with its dynamic growth, constantly expanding its geography of supply and winning the hearts of consumers around the world.
The main components of success are belief in your product, willingness to invest in quality, and a bold, thoughtful view of the global market. For the entire confectionery industry in Ukraine, this means one thing: our sweet future is just beginning.
The main components of success are belief in your product, willingness to invest in quality, and a bold, thoughtful view of the global market.
