The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Protection (SSUFSCP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have agreed with the Republic of Albania on two certificates for Ukrainian pet food producers, the agency’s press service reports.
According to the report, a health certificate for canned pet food and a health certificate for chewing items for pets intended for import or transit from Ukraine to Albania have been agreed.
“Opening new markets for Ukrainian exporters is one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are systematically working on this together with the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Each new market means new opportunities for domestic producers and strengthening of our economy. This is especially important in times of war,” said Andriy Sybiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“Diversification of international sales markets is the focus of special attention of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The development of domestic business largely depends on expanding the geography of exports. That is why we continue to do everything possible to support Ukrainian producers, especially in these difficult times,” said the head of the agency, Serhiy Tkachuk.
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection pointed out that the agreed form of the veterinary certificate for these categories of products is published on the official website of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in the section “International Cooperation” – “Veterinary and Safety” – “Certificates for Export from Ukraine”.
The first step for exporting Ukrainian products of animal origin is a request from the market operator to the territorial authority of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection at the place of location, the agency reminded.
During his visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Vietnam To Lam to discuss the development of bilateral relations, the increase in trade, and Vietnam’s participation in the post-war recovery of Ukraine.
“We talked about the development of bilateral relations and the increase in trade between our countries, particularly in the agricultural industry. Thank you for your humanitarian support and willingness to join Ukraine’s recovery after the war,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Wednesday.
Beer production in Ukraine in January-August 2024 reached 98.5 million dal, up 6.7% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the website of the industry organization of brewers Ukrpyvo.
“The expert estimate of beer production in Ukraine (excluding non-alcoholic beer) for 8 months of 2024 amounted to 98.5 million dal, which is 106.7% compared to the same period in 2023. At the same time, this figure is only 80.5% of the production volume for 8 months of 2021,” the report says.
Beer production in Ukraine in 2022 decreased by 27.9% compared to 2021 – to 122.8 million dal.
By the end of 2022, the brewing industry had partially recovered from a 50% drop in production in the first quarter due to the Russian invasion and the shutdown of some breweries. Thus, in the first four months of the year, the decline amounted to 42.8% compared to the same period in 2021, 36.4% in January-May, 32% in January-June, 31.6% in January-July and January-August, 30.5% in January-September, 28.6% in January-October, 28.1% in January-November, and 27.9% in the previous year.
Domestic prices for Ukrainian sugar continue to fall due to trade restrictions imposed by the European Union, and wholesale prices from factories may drop to 18-19 UAH/kg, according to the analytical cooperative “Pusk”, created within the framework of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council (AAC).
“Ukrainian sugar remains mostly on the domestic market due to limited exports. Attempts to supply products to Turkey, Macedonia and other countries have not yet allowed to significantly unload stocks. Due to trade restrictions with the EU, which will last until 2025, Ukraine is facing difficulties in exporting sugar,” the analysts explained and added that this trend is likely to continue in the coming months.
According to experts, some factories in Ukraine have already started to reduce prices from the previous 21.50-22 UAH/kg to 21 UAH/kg. They expect that in September-October, prices may fall to 18-19 UAH/kg due to the oversaturation of the domestic market.
At the same time, the global sugar market shows a significant increase in prices due to a number of factors.
“Among the key reasons is a significant drought in Brazil, which has seriously affected sugar cane yields. The situation was further aggravated by large-scale fires that damaged 5 to 8% of the acreage. This has led to a significant increase in the cost of sugar on world markets,” Pusk stated.
During his working visit to New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine’s defense needs, and international cooperation.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian president, “the meeting discussed Ukrainian-Finnish defense cooperation, specifically the joint production of drones and the exchange of experience in this area.”
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine needs air defense systems, including man-portable air defense systems. He also briefed his interlocutor on the current stage of implementation of the agreements reached during the NATO summit in Washington.
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to obtain permission from its partners and the means to strike deep into Russian territory,” the press service reports.
The parties also discussed what international efforts are needed to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine, as well as the role of the Global South in this process.
Novus Ukraine LLC, which operates the Novus supermarket chain, has made its debut issue of corporate bonds totaling UAH 400 million, secured by its own real estate in Kyiv, the company’s press service reports.
“The issue of corporate bonds is an important step towards raising funds in the stock markets. We are becoming more open and public for potential investors. This product will contribute to the development of Ukraine’s securities market, as it has no analogues at present. The issue is unique in that it is secured by the commercial real estate of Novus Ukraine Group, which significantly minimizes the risks for potential investors,” Nina Orlovska, Deputy CEO of Novus Ukraine, said in a press release.
According to the report, the company will issue bonds with a nominal value of one thousand UAH maturing within three years with an annual redemption option. The yield is 15% per annum, and the interest rate can be revised within a year.
In addition, the bonds are secured by commercial real estate in Kyiv with an area of more than 10 thousand square meters.
Univer Investment Group is the underwriter of the issue, and Integrities Law Firm is the mortgagee and administrator.
Novus Ukraine LLC was established in 2008 and opened the first Novus supermarket in the country the same year. As of September 2024, the retailer’s network includes more than 80 Novus and 22 Mi Markets in Ukraine.
The Novus supermarket chain is developed by BT Invest (Lithuania), a company established in 2008 by former Sandora shareholders Raimondas Tumenas and the late Igor Bezzub.
According to Opendatabot, the owner of Novus Ukraine with a 100% share in the authorized capital was CJSC Consul Trade House (Vilnius, Lithuania). The ultimate beneficiaries are Marina Poznyakova, Agne Ruzgienė, and Raimondas Tumenas.
According to the company’s financial results, in 2023, its revenue increased by 47% to UAH 23.6 billion, while its net loss decreased by 87% to UAH 310.7 million.
