The hazelnut market in Ukraine is still developing and has two main points. First, it is growing rapidly, thanks to companies like NVO 'Filbert. However, it is still smaller than in other countries, as Ukraine imports more hazelnuts than it exports.
NVO "Filbert" plays an important role in the market, leading the industry with the development of its own hazelnut orchards and full production cycle, from growing to deep processing. The company has the largest hazelnut orchard in Ukraine, covering 820 hectares. These orchards may meet a significant portion of domestic demand within a few years, reducing reliance on imports.
The idea to create this business came to Maxim Sheyk after a trip to Italy, where he saw large-scale hazelnut cultivation. The first plantings were made in 2015, and since then, the company has gradually increased its acreage and improved its harvest.
The special feature of the hazelnuts grown at "Filbert" is that they are Italian varieties, ensuring high-quality kernels, which is important for the confectionery industry. The variety selection was also based on technical requirements for nut processing. Italian varieties yield a much higher percentage of clean kernels than others, making them more competitive in the market.
NVO "Filbert" also focuses on vertical integration, having launched a primary processing plant for hazelnuts, which allows the company to handle nut processing from sorting to drying and blanching. This move has helped reduce dependence on external equipment suppliers and services.
Regarding product sales, 'Filbert' works successfully with retailers, supplying its products to leading Ukrainian retail chains.
Expanding into international markets is also part of the company's strategy, although there are challenges, particularly in cooperation with European retailers and product certification.
Source: kurkul.com