Ukrainian Agri-Food Companies Explore Opportunities in the Norwegian Market
On 1 October 2026, the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), together with partners, held an online workshop for Ukrainian agri-food producers and exporters interested in the Norwegian market.
The event brought together more than 90 participants from 16 regions of Ukraine, representing companies working with berries, nuts, grains, pulses, edible oils, beverages, organic products and other agri-food categories, as well as business associations and organisations supporting Ukrainian exporters.
The workshop opened with remarks from Pavlo Ladetskyi, National Project Technical Coordinator for the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP Ukraine), implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This was followed by an introduction to NUCC and its work supporting trade and economic cooperation between Norway and Ukraine, presented by Natalia Babanina, Country Manager at NUCC Ukraine.
The main session was delivered by Andreas L. Tranøy, Senior Adviser on Seafood and Agriculture at NUCC, who provided a practical overview of the Norwegian market. The session covered:
- opportunities for Ukrainian agri-food products in Norway;
- Norwegian consumer trends, business culture and buyer expectations;
- product readiness and positioning;
- cooperation with importers, distributors, retailers and foodservice companies;
- the main channels for entering the market;
- the EFTA–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement and relevant certification considerations;
- trade fairs and industry events where Ukrainian companies can meet potential Norwegian partners.
The discussion addressed participants’ questions about demand for different product categories, Ukraine’s competitive advantages and the practical steps companies should consider before approaching potential buyers and partners.
The programme also featured a session by Iryna Vasylenko, Acting Deputy Director of the State Institution “Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office”, on Ukraine’s participation in SIAL Paris 2026. Participants learned more about the Ukrainian national stands, individual exhibitors, side events, matchmaking and other opportunities available to Ukrainian exporters at the international trade fair.
The workshop took place during an active season of international food exhibitions, where Ukrainian companies can meet importers and distributors from different markets, including Norway. A better understanding of buyer expectations and market-entry practices can help companies prepare for these meetings and continue discussions after the exhibition.
NUCC would like to thank all speakers, partners and participants for their contributions, active engagement and interest in strengthening trade cooperation between Ukraine and Norway. We also extend our thanks to the workshop moderators, Nataliya Prokopchuk, National Expert on Organic Products and Exports at GQSP Ukraine, and Ksenia Guliyeva, Export Service Coordinator at Organic Initiative Public Association, for guiding the programme and discussions.
The event was organised by the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) together with the State Institution “Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office”, with the support of Switzerland within the framework of the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP Ukraine), implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Informational partners: Organic Initiative Public Association, U-Food Association, Ukrainian Berries Association, Ukrsadvinprom, Association “Ukrainian Blueberry Growers”, Ukrainian Nut Association and Organic Standard certification body.
