Business Continues Despite War in Ukraine, CEO Says
As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, businesses are adapting to find ways to keep production going. Nemiroff vodka, Ukraine's largest spirits export brand, has continued to ship products to major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury's despite bombing attacks on shipments out of the country.
"We had one or two containers destroyed in port by missile attacks," said Yuriy Sorochynskyi, the CEO of Nemiroff. "This is now business as usual." Since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has been working to diversify its export routes and overcome logistical challenges.
The brand has seen significant growth, with UK sales rising 24% last year to Β£6.25m. Nemiroff has sponsored high-profile events like Oleksandr Usyk's boxing matches and partnered with Premier League football clubs. The brand is now available in several major retailers across the country, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and the Co-op.
However, keeping production going has not been easy. Nemiroff has had to take measures like buying a gas generator to keep its factory running during power outages and finding spare space for suppliers who have been affected by attacks on their facilities.
Another challenge facing Ukraine is providing basic necessities like electricity and water to its citizens. Sorochynskyi noted that life is particularly tough for those living in flats, where they are less likely to have access to alternative energy sources. As a result, queues of cars can be seen heading to shopping centers, not just for goods but also for essential services like electricity and Wi-Fi.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine's government and EU partners are working together to build up railway infrastructure and improve freight routes. New tracks are being built to connect the country with neighboring countries and help exports reach new markets.
In an effort to support businesses in Ukraine, Nemiroff has also been providing bottling facilities for competitors. "There are a huge number of examples of competitors helping each other out in order to survive," Sorochynskyi said.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine's business community is adapting and finding ways to thrive despite the challenges. With its growth and resilience, Nemiroff vodka remains one of the leading spirits export brands from Ukraine.
As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, businesses are adapting to find ways to keep production going. Nemiroff vodka, Ukraine's largest spirits export brand, has continued to ship products to major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury's despite bombing attacks on shipments out of the country.
"We had one or two containers destroyed in port by missile attacks," said Yuriy Sorochynskyi, the CEO of Nemiroff. "This is now business as usual." Since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has been working to diversify its export routes and overcome logistical challenges.
The brand has seen significant growth, with UK sales rising 24% last year to Β£6.25m. Nemiroff has sponsored high-profile events like Oleksandr Usyk's boxing matches and partnered with Premier League football clubs. The brand is now available in several major retailers across the country, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and the Co-op.
However, keeping production going has not been easy. Nemiroff has had to take measures like buying a gas generator to keep its factory running during power outages and finding spare space for suppliers who have been affected by attacks on their facilities.
Another challenge facing Ukraine is providing basic necessities like electricity and water to its citizens. Sorochynskyi noted that life is particularly tough for those living in flats, where they are less likely to have access to alternative energy sources. As a result, queues of cars can be seen heading to shopping centers, not just for goods but also for essential services like electricity and Wi-Fi.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine's government and EU partners are working together to build up railway infrastructure and improve freight routes. New tracks are being built to connect the country with neighboring countries and help exports reach new markets.
In an effort to support businesses in Ukraine, Nemiroff has also been providing bottling facilities for competitors. "There are a huge number of examples of competitors helping each other out in order to survive," Sorochynskyi said.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine's business community is adapting and finding ways to thrive despite the challenges. With its growth and resilience, Nemiroff vodka remains one of the leading spirits export brands from Ukraine.