The event once again demonstrated the strength and adaptability of Ukraine's small and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-food sector.
For the fourth consecutive year, Switzerland has supported the fair within the Swiss-Ukrainian programme "Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine" (QFTP), implemented by FiBL in partnership with SAFOSO AG (Switzerland). The programme continues to strengthen trade opportunities and market development for Ukrainian organic and dairy producers.
This year's fair brought together 53 Ukrainian producers of certified organic products, craft cheesemakers, and local products from 14 regions of Ukraine. Among them were representatives from regions particularly affected by the war, including frontline regions such as Sumy, Poltava, and Mykolaiv. 17 organic producers and 22 cheesemakers presented a wide range of products, including award-winning cheeses, organic dairy and meat products, honey, teas, vegetables, nuts, groats, and other artisanal specialties.
Tastings, workshops, and interactive sessions
The event attracted around 6 000 visitors, who had the opportunity to taste and purchase products, explore the diversity of Ukraine's regional food culture, and take part in educational activities such as tastings, workshops, and interactive sessions. During the fair, participants also engaged in a programme of culinary workshops led by Ukrainian gastronomy experts, including the preparation of traditional Swiss fondue.
The Lviv Taste Fair once again confirmed the strong potential of Ukraine's organic and craft dairy sectors at the domestic level, while reinforcing cooperation between producers, consumers, experts, government institutions, and international partners in support of sustainable food systems.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainian producers
During the official opening of the fair, Felix Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, stated: "The Lviv Taste Fair is not only about gastronomy, but also about resilience, talent, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainian producers from different regions of the country. Despite all the challenges, representatives of the organic and dairy sectors continue to develop their businesses, produce high-quality food, and open new opportunities for the local economy. We are proud that Switzerland has supported this initiative for four consecutive years and contributes to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine."
Demonstrating resilience and continuous development
Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, stated: "The Lviv Taste Fair is pleasantly surprising us for the fourth time with how Ukrainian producers each year demonstrate resilience and continuous development under the conditions of the full-scale invasion. This progress is reflected not only in the expansion of product ranges or the emergence of new flavours, but also in international recognition. Among the participants are winners of international competitions, which confirms that Ukrainian producers are able to remain steadfast, resilient, and meet the highest global standards. We thank all participants for representing the 'Made in Ukraine' brand with dignity."
The Lviv Taste Fair continues to serve as an important platform for promoting Ukraine's organic and dairy value-added food, supporting small and medium-sized producers, and fostering sustainable development of the organic and dairy sectors in cooperation with international partners.
Further information
Contacts
- Nicoletta Maestrini, FiBL
- Hanna Kovtun, QFTP, hanna.kovtun(at)qftp.org
Links
- qftp.org: Further information on the event
- google.com: Picture folder
- safoso.ch: SAFOSO AG
Lviv Taste Fair is organised by Lviv City Public Organisation "Ecoterra" and ProCheese Department of Ardis Group, under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, under the auspices of Lviv Regional Military (State) Administration, Lviv City Council, with the support of Switzerland within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian Programme "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).