## Ukrainian Businesses in Central Europe Seek New Markets Westward

Ukrainian Businesses Find New Footing in Central Europe

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sent shockwaves throughout the world, displacing millions and forcing businesses to reimagine their futures. As Ukrainians sought refuge in neighboring Central European countries, a wave of entrepreneurial spirit emerged. While initially catering to their fellow countrymen, these businesses are now broadening their horizons, integrating into local communities and eyeing expansion into new markets.

Beyond the Diaspora: Reaching a Wider Audience

Poland, with its historic ties to Ukraine and a Ukrainian population that has surged to over 1.5 million as the war began, has become a focal point for this entrepreneurial surge. In 2024,Ukrainians are responsible for launching one in every ten new businesses in Poland,according to local business associations and economists.

Andrii Halytskyi, founder of the popular Lviv Croissants bakery chain, exemplifies this trend. With 12 shops already operating in Poland and a recent expansion into the Czech Republic, Halytskyi emphasizes the importance of diversifying his customer base. “while the Ukrainian refugee community in Europe is significant, relying solely on this customer base is not a sustainable long-term strategy,” he explains.

Poland: A Springboard to the EU

Poland’s cultural similarities with Ukraine provide a natural bridge for Ukrainian businesses. However, many view the country as a stepping stone to larger markets within the European Union. “Companies initially view Poland as a bridge or springboard to European Union markets,” explains Dariusz Szymczycha, first vice president of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. “They want to learn more about the realities, standards, regulations, and rules of operating within the European Union.”

Drunken Cherry: A Taste of Success

The Piana Vyshnia,Ukraine’s leading producer of artisan cherry liqueurs,known as “Drunken Cherry,” is another example of a Ukrainian brand making its mark in Central Europe. After establishing a strong presence in Poland, the company is now setting its sights on expanding into other EU countries, bringing its unique flavors to a wider audience.

Ukrainian Businesses Find New Footing in Europe

As the war in Ukraine continues, Ukrainian entrepreneurs are demonstrating remarkable resilience, adapting their businesses to survive and thrive in a new reality. Many have set their sights on expansion, relocating operations and establishing new branches in neighboring European nations. This diaspora is creating a ripple effect across the continent, boosting local economies and injecting fresh entrepreneurial energy.

Economic Ripple Effects

The influx of Ukrainian entrepreneurs into countries like Poland has brought a surge in skilled workers and a vibrant wave of new businesses.This has provided a much-needed economic boost. A Deloitte report released in March 2024 estimated that Ukrainian refugees could contribute as much as 1.35% to Poland’s GDP in the long term.

Andrzej Kubisiak, deputy director of the Polish Economic institute, explains the positive impact: “When they come to Poland, whether to work or set up businesses, this is an additional stimulus from the economic viewpoint for consumption and improving the supply of labor.”

beyond Borders

olga Kopylova, a Ukrainian restaurateur,exemplifies this trend. “I had no plans to expand abroad before the war,” she shared with Reuters, “but now I have three Czarnomorka restaurants in Poland and two each in Bratislava and Vienna.”

Kopylova’s story is echoed by others. The Aroma Kava coffee chain entered the Polish market in 2022 and has since grown to 10 locations. Ukrainian ice cream maker Three Bears acquired Polish company nordis, solidifying its presence in a new market.

Finding a home Away From Home

The digital entertainment provider MEGOGO has also found success beyond Ukraine’s borders. Co-founder Volodymyr Borovyk told Reuters that Poland is now their second most vital market, with growth driven by appealing to local audiences, especially through family programming. MEGOGO expanded into Poland and Romania – Europe’s two most populous emerging markets – in 2023.

“The healthy Polish market not only motivates us but also encourages other Ukrainian companies to enter this market with products tailored specifically for Polish consumers,” Borovyk emphasized.

In prague, a newly-opened branch of Lviv Croissants bustled with activity as tourists, locals, and Ukrainians enjoyed coffee and pastries. 20-year-old Ukrainian student Tatiana Melnyk, experiencing the café for the first time, commented: “This was my first time eating here, but for me, it is like a feeling of home.”

While the road to recovery for the Ukrainian economy is long,the adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of its people is undeniable. As Ukrainian businesses flourish in Europe, they are not only finding new markets but also building bridges and fostering a sense of community in their adopted homes.

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What are some of the challenges Andriy Khudo and ​Drunken Cherry have​ faced in expanding into‌ new ‍markets, and how have they overcome them?

Interview with Andriy Khudo, Founder of Drunken Cherry and !FЕST restaurant⁢ Group

By Archyde News

archyde: ⁢ Thank you ​for joining us today, mr. Khudo.yoru⁢ journey from ⁤Ukraine⁣ to establishing a triumphant business empire across‌ Central Europe is truly inspiring.can you tell us ⁤how the war⁤ in Ukraine influenced your decision to expand⁢ your business beyond ‍its borders?

Andriy Khudo: Thank you for having me.The war was a turning⁢ point for us, as it was for many⁣ Ukrainian businesses. Before 2022, our focus was entirely on ⁤Ukraine. We​ had a strong presence there, and our Drunken Cherry brand was well-loved. But⁤ when the ⁢war began,we realized we had to adapt quickly. Many Ukrainians ⁣were displaced, and we saw an ⁤opportunity to bring a taste‌ of home‌ to‍ them in neighboring ​countries like ‍poland.

Archyde: Poland⁤ has become a hub⁤ for Ukrainian businesses, with Ukrainians launching one in every ten new businesses there in 2024. What ⁣made Poland such ⁢an attractive destination‌ for ‍your expansion?

Andriy Khudo: Poland ​was a natural⁢ choice for several reasons. First,the cultural‍ similarities between Ukraine and Poland made ‍it ‌easier for us to⁢ connect with both Ukrainian refugees and local customers. Second,Poland’s proximity to Ukraine allowed us to maintain some supply chains and logistics. but most⁢ importantly,⁤ Poland served ‌as a gateway to the European Union. It allowed‍ us to learn ⁣the rules,⁣ regulations, and standards of operating in the EU while still being ⁢close to home.

Archyde: Your Drunken Cherry brand has grown to⁢ 15 locations in Poland⁢ and nine in⁤ other​ Baltic and ⁣Eastern European countries. What has been the key to your success in attracting‍ local customers? ⁤

Andriy Khudo: The key ‍has been authenticity and adaptability. Drunken Cherry ⁢is rooted in ukrainian tradition—our cherry liqueur is a symbol of ‌Ukrainian⁣ hospitality. But we’ve also tailored our offerings to appeal ⁤to local tastes. Such as, in Poland, we introduced ⁢menu items that ​blend‌ ukrainian and Polish‌ flavors. We ⁣also focus​ on creating a ‍welcoming atmosphere that resonates with everyone,not just Ukrainians. ‍

Archyde: You’ve mentioned that⁤ relying solely on the Ukrainian diaspora is not a sustainable long-term strategy. How do ‍you balance catering to Ukrainians while appealing to⁣ a broader audience?

Andriy Khudo: It’s about​ finding the right balance.Ukrainians will always be a core part of our customer base, but we’ve learned‌ that to thrive, we need to integrate into the local communities.‌This means hiring local staff, sourcing ingredients⁤ locally, and participating⁣ in community ‌events.⁢By doing so,‌ we’ve

Ukrainian Cuisine Conquers Europe: Drunken Cherry’s Story of Resilience and Growth

In a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Ukraine, Drunken Cherry, a renowned Ukrainian restaurant group, is making waves across Europe.Founded by Andriy Khudo, the group has successfully expanded its footprint beyond Ukraine’s borders, bringing the vibrant flavors of Ukrainian cuisine to a wider audience.

Navigating New Horizons: Challenges and Strategies

Drunken Cherry’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Expanding into new markets comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating diffrent regulatory landscapes to adapting to diverse cultural preferences. “Every new market offers its unique set of obstacles,” explains Khudo. “For instance, entering the Czech Republic required us to familiarize ourselves with distinct alcohol licensing laws.”

The company’s experiance in Poland proved invaluable, teaching them the importance of patience and persistence. Now, with sights set on Germany and other Western European nations, Drunken Cherry aims to introduce Ukrainian culture through its brand while remaining sensitive to local tastes.

Advice for Ukrainian Entrepreneurs Venturing Abroad

Khudo offers valuable advice to fellow Ukrainian entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally: “Be bold but strategic. Begin by thoroughly understanding the target market—its culture, regulations, and consumer behavior. Build strong local partnerships and maintain flexibility to adapt. Most importantly, stay true to your roots. Your Ukrainian identity is your strength; it’s what makes your business stand out.”

The Future Looks Radiant: Growth, Innovation, and Sharing Ukrainian Culture

Drunken cherry’s future is brimming with exciting possibilities. Khudo envisions continued growth and innovation, with plans to explore new markets, develop innovative menu items, and integrate technology into their operations.

“Our ultimate objective is to share Ukrainian culture with the world,” Khudo emphasizes. “whether through our delectable food, refreshing drinks, or warm hospitality, we want to showcase Ukraine’s resilience, creativity, and warmth.”

Drunken Cherry’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience, adaptability, and cultural pride in the face of adversity. their success story is a testament to the growing global recognition for Ukrainian cuisine and culture.

What obstacles did Andriy Khudo and drunken Cherry face when expanding into foreign markets?

Interview with Andriy Khudo, Founder of Drunken Cherry and !FЕST Restaurant Group

By Archyde News

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Khudo. Your journey from Ukraine to establishing a triumphant business empire across Central Europe is truly inspiring.Can you tell us how the war in Ukraine influenced your decision to expand your business beyond its borders?

Andriy Khudo: Thank you for having me. The war was a turning point for us, as it was for many Ukrainian businesses. Before 2022, our focus was entirely on Ukraine. We had a strong presence there, and our Drunken Cherry brand was well-loved. But when the war began, we realized we had to adapt quickly. Many Ukrainians were displaced, and we saw an opportunity to bring a taste of home to them in neighboring countries like Poland.

Archyde: Poland has become a hub for Ukrainian businesses, with Ukrainians launching one in every ten new businesses there in 2024. what made Poland such an attractive destination for your expansion?

Andriy Khudo: Poland was a natural choice for several reasons. First, the cultural similarities between Ukraine and Poland made it easier for us to connect with both Ukrainian refugees and local customers. Second, Poland’s proximity to ukraine allowed us to maintain some supply chains and logistics. But moast importantly, Poland served as a gateway to the European Union. It allowed us to learn the rules, regulations, and standards of operating in the EU while still being close to home.

Archyde: Your Drunken Cherry brand has grown to 15 locations in Poland and nine in other Baltic and Eastern European countries. What has been the key to your success in attracting local customers?

Andriy Khudo: The key has been authenticity and adaptability. Drunken Cherry is rooted in Ukrainian tradition—our cherry liqueur is a symbol of Ukrainian hospitality. But we’ve also tailored our offerings to appeal to local tastes. For example, in Poland, we introduced menu items that blend Ukrainian and Polish flavors. We also focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with everyone,not just Ukrainians.

archyde: What challenges have you faced in expanding into new markets, and how have you overcome them?

Andriy khudo: Expanding into new markets has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating the regulatory and bureaucratic differences between countries. Each market has its own set of rules, especially when it comes to food and beverage production and distribution. To overcome this, we’ve invested heavily in local legal and compliance teams to ensure we meet all requirements.

Another challenge has been building brand recognition among local consumers who may not be familiar with Ukrainian products. We’ve tackled this by leveraging social media and local influencers to tell our story and highlight the unique aspects of our brand. Additionally, we’ve participated in local food festivals and events to introduce Drunken Cherry to a wider audience.

supply chain disruptions caused by the war have been a meaningful obstacle. We’ve had to diversify our suppliers and establish new partnerships within the EU to ensure a steady flow of ingredients and materials.

Archyde: What advice would you give to other Ukrainian entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses abroad?

Andriy Khudo: My advice would be to embrace adaptability and resilience. The ability to pivot and adjust to new environments is crucial. It’s also critically important to invest in understanding the local market—its culture, preferences, and regulations. Building strong local partnerships can make a world of difference. And above all,never lose sight of your roots. Your unique Ukrainian identity is your strength, and it’s what sets you apart in a competitive market.

Archyde: Thank you, Mr. Khudo, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your story is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Andriy Khudo: Thank you. It’s been a challenging journey, but we’re proud to represent Ukraine and share our culture with the world.

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This interview highlights the challenges and strategies behind the accomplished expansion of Ukrainian businesses like Drunken Cherry into new markets. By blending authenticity with adaptability, entrepreneurs like andriy Khudo are not only finding success but also fostering cultural connections across Europe.