Ukraine exported 35,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds in the 2025/2026 marketing year, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.
The association noted that sunflower seeds have traditionally been processed primarily within the country.
Total exports of oilseeds in the 2025/2026 marketing year declined: Ukraine exported 2.7 million metric tons of soybeans, 1.82 million metric tons of rapeseed, and 35,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds.
Ukraine exported 1.82 million metric tons of rapeseed during the 2025/2026 marketing year, compared to 3.2 million metric tons in the previous season, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.
Germany was the main market for Ukrainian rapeseed, accounting for 876,000 metric tons. Belgium imported 453,000 metric tons, the Netherlands—247,000 metric tons, the Czech Republic—112,000 metric tons, and the United Kingdom—109,000 metric tons.
According to the UGA, the decline in rapeseed exports was due to a lower harvest and the introduction of an export duty on this crop.
The “Yarich” confectionery group has raised $10 million from the Norwegian state investment fund Norfund, which it will use to modernize production and further develop the business, Norfund announced,
“Yarich’s impressive growth in recent years, despite the war, reflects the strength and dedication of its management and owners. Supporting strong teams and helping reliable companies achieve further growth is a key part of Norfund’s investment approach,” said Norfund Project Manager Anastasia Andriyevska.
According to the fund, the funds will be used to modernize production facilities, specifically to install a new pretzel production line, which will enable the company to expand its product range and enter new market segments.
“This investment is a strong signal of confidence in Ukrainian business and the resilience of our team. It will facilitate further expansion into new product categories and continued growth in both the Ukrainian and export markets,” said Tetyana Shermolovych, the company’s CEO.
Norfund noted that Yarych’s production site in the Lviv region, which employs about 500 people, is a key hub for export development. In recent years, the company has significantly increased its exports, primarily to Poland.
Yarych Holdings Limited is the parent company of the “Yarych” confectionery group, whose production facilities are located in the village of Staryi Yarychiv in the Lviv region. The group specializes in the production of long-lasting cookies and crackers under the Yarych brand. The holding company directly owns 84.94% of Yarych Confectionery Factory LLC, while another 15.06% is owned by Yarychiv LLC.
Norfund is Norway’s state-owned investment fund, which finances private companies and projects in developing countries with the aim of creating jobs and supporting sustainable economic development. In Ukraine, the fund operates through the Investment Fund for Ukraine, established in late 2024 to support Ukrainian businesses and attract private capital.
As previously reported, the Norwegian government allocated 250 million Norwegian kroner for Norfund’s investments in Ukraine as part of the Nansen Support Program.
In late 2025, the fund also invested $15 million in the Rebuild Ukraine Fund (REBUF), managed by Dragon Capital, and approximately EUR8.5 million in the expansion of the M10 industrial park in the Lviv region.
BUSINESS, confectionery industry, EXPORTS, INVESTMENTS, MODERNIZATION, Norfund, PRODUCTION, YARYCH
In the 2025/2026 marketing year, Ukraine exported 2.7 million metric tons of soybeans, compared to 3.8 million metric tons in the previous season, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.
Turkey was the largest buyer of Ukrainian soybeans, purchasing 923,000 metric tons. The top five importers also included the Netherlands (382,000 metric tons), Germany (298,000 metric tons), France (159,000 metric tons), and Egypt (151,000 metric tons).
According to the UGA, the decline in soybean exports was due to a lower harvest and the introduction of an export duty on this crop.
Ukraine exported 1.52 million metric tons of barley in the 2025/2026 marketing year, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.
China was the leading importer of Ukrainian barley, with 487,000 metric tons. Turkey imported 297,000 metric tons, Libya—230,000 metric tons, Saudi Arabia—121,000 metric tons, and Lebanon—115,000 metric tons.
According to the UGA, total exports of grains and oilseeds for the season fell to 41.1 million metric tons from 46.7 million metric tons a year earlier.
Ukraine exported 21 million metric tons of corn during the 2025/2026 marketing year, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association.
Turkey was the largest buyer of Ukrainian corn, purchasing 6.5 million metric tons. It was followed by Italy (3.8 million metric tons), Spain (1.9 million metric tons), the Netherlands (1.7 million metric tons), and Israel (934,000 metric tons).
Total exports of grains and oilseeds from Ukraine in the 2025/2026 marketing year amounted to 41.1 million metric tons, which is 12% less than in the previous season.
