Successful Matchmaking: Connecting Ukrainian Businesses with Global Markets

SIPPO Ukraine facilitated a two-day practical matchmaking training at the Ukrainian pavilion, under the guidance of leading SIPPO expert Patrick Collins. This training equipped participants with hands-on skills to effectively engage with potential international buyers.

Two Business Support Organizations (BSOs) – EEPO and UBA – along with 24 Ukrainian companies participated, showcasing their organic products at the national stand. The response from international buyers was overwhelmingly positive, with a strong interest in organic grains and processed food products.

Preliminary results from the matchmaking sessions include:

• Over 50 meetings with potential business partners
• Strong interest from European buyers, particularly in organic grain products
• Several companies initiating contract negotiations, with agreements expected by mid-2025

Strategic Collaboration with IPD: Strengthening Ukraine’s Export Ecosystem

SIPPO Ukraine’s recent meeting with the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) at BIOFACH 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening Ukraine’s export capacities. Both organizations agreed to align efforts, share resources, and coordinate interventions across key sectors, including Processed Food, Natural Ingredients, and Technical Wood.

Key next steps include:

• Joint capacity-building programs for Ukrainian BSOs
• Increased knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Enhanced support for Ukrainian companies in accessing new markets

Insights from Ukrainian Exporters: Organic Sector Needs and Challenges

One of the key highlights of BIOFACH 2025 was the conference “Ukraine’s Organic Sector in the Process of EU Integration: Challenges, Opportunities, and Post-War Resilience”. During this session, SIPPO’s partner BSO, Organic Initiative, presented the preliminary findings of its study “Current Status and Needs of Ukrainian Exporters”, conducted with SIPPO Ukraine’s support.

Key insights from the study:

• Germany and Poland remain top export destinations, while Italy, France, and Austria show strong potential for expansion.
• Demand for organic products, particularly niche grain crops, continues to grow globally.
• Ukrainian exporters prioritize financial support, trade fair participation, and B2B networking to enhance their market access.
• Market analytics, digitalization, and branding remain crucial for positioning Ukrainian organic products more competitively.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Ukraine’s Organic Trade Future

The matchmaking and networking activities at BIOFACH 2025 have laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and growth. SIPPO Ukraine will follow up with participants in an online session to evaluate outcomes, refine strategies, and provide further guidance for export success.