The CEO of BEEHIVE, Semen Gagarin, participated in the presentation of the systemic study “Strategic Guidelines for Deepening Trade and Economic Relations between Ukraine and the European Union in the Context of Ukraine’s Candidate Status for EU Membership”. The event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration – Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna, the leadership of the Federation, CMD-Ukraine, and leading Ukrainian exporters.
Participants discussed the key provisions of the study aimed at strengthening trade ties between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as ways to further integrate Ukraine into the European economic space.
“BEEHIVE, as a leader in the production of high-quality Ukrainian honey, actively supports initiatives that promote the deepening of economic cooperation with EU countries. It is important for the country that we combine Ukrainian traditions with modern technologies, creating products that represent our country with dignity on the international market. We have joined the development of the strategy, particularly in the honey sector, to consider the needs of Ukrainian beekeepers and exporters. Ukraine’s candidate status for EU membership opens new opportunities for domestic exporters, and our company is ready to play an active role in this process,” noted Semen Gagarin.
Currently, about 65% of Ukraine’s total exports are directed to the EU, amounting to €24.5 billion in 2024. Deepening economic integration will strengthen these figures and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian products on European markets.
Ukraine is one of the world’s leading honey exporters, with the European Union being the primary market. In recent years, honey exports from Ukraine to the EU have remained stable, although they slightly decreased after the full-scale invasion. Ukraine accounts for more than 28% of the EU’s total honey imports, second only to China. The demand for Ukrainian honey remains high, ensuring prospects for stable production and exports.
The main challenges for honey exports to the EU include restrictive trade measures, particularly tariff quotas. To address these issues, the Ukrainian government should seek to reinstate zero-duty and quota-free honey exports to the EU, as well as support small producers by facilitating apiary registration and modernizing production to meet EU traceability requirements.
Duty-free honey exports from Ukraine will help reduce the average price of honey imports for the EU, creating favorable conditions for European partners and strengthening the competitiveness of Ukrainian products.
BEEHIVE is an example of a successfully implemented investment project that combines modern technologies with long-standing traditions, creating a new story of Ukrainian honey on a global level.
This event is among the must-attend gatherings for leaders of medical businesses in Ukraine.
The All-Ukrainian Medical Summit is more than just a conference. It is a space for experience exchange, networking, and discovering new opportunities for growth.
For Ukraine’s medical business, the Summit serves as a driver for implementing advanced management practices.
During this event, participants gain insights into how to implement innovations, determine their development direction, and find potential partners.
The first Summit of 2025 gathered over 400 participants.
These included chief physicians, department heads, financial experts, marketers, as well as owners and executives of private clinics, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and medical service providers.
For DOC.UA, the All-Ukrainian Medical Summit is an opportunity to meet key partners and establish new connections.
It is a platform where trends for the coming year are shaped, and common ground for joint projects is found.
DOC.UA is committed to advancing Ukraine’s medical business.
Being a partner of the All-Ukrainian Medical Summit is a valued tradition for the company
The BEEHIVE team participated as a visitor in the leading international trade fair for organic products, BIOFACH 2025, which traditionally took place in Nuremberg, Germany. This key event brings together producers, processors, and distributors of organic products from around the world, serving as a platform for experience exchange, showcasing innovations, and expanding international connections.
“BIOFACH 2025 has inspired us to further develop the production of organic honey. We had a great opportunity to share our experience, establish new connections, and expand our partner network. The demand for organic honey in the EU continues to grow, and we see great potential for development in this market. That is why, starting from the new harvest, we plan to significantly increase the purchase volumes of certified organic honey from beekeepers. This will not only strengthen Ukraine’s position as a reliable supplier but also secure its status as a producer of the world’s best organic honey,” said Semen Gagarin, CEO of BEEHIVE, sharing his impressions of the exhibition.
BIOFACH is not just a trade fair; it is a unique platform for establishing business contacts and exploring new opportunities. Participants can showcase their products to an international audience, explore the latest industry trends, and engage in discussions on relevant topics.
Importantly, Ukraine had a dedicated pavilion at BIOFACH 2025. This initiative helps promote Ukrainian organic products on the global market. This year, 20 exporting companies took part in forming the Ukrainian pavilion.
The exhibition demonstrated that the organic market is constantly evolving, with increasing attention to environmental responsibility and sustainable production. BEEHIVE plans to continue supporting these trends, expanding cooperation, and implementing innovative approaches in organic honey production.
Ukraine is set to build its first float glass manufacturing plant in the Kyiv region by 2028. Investors from NovaSklo, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the government investment office UkraineInvest, officially announced the project’s launch today.
“Ukraine is actively developing its processing industry—we aim to increase its share in GDP to 20% over the next decade in line with OECD standards. This goal is at the heart of the ‘Made in Ukraine’ policy. One of its key instruments is support for large-scale investment projects that foster production growth, attract capital, and stimulate non-commodity exports.
Glass manufacturing is a critical sector within the processing industry, playing a strategic role in construction, industrial production, and the country’s post-war recovery. The construction of this plant will create new jobs and attract additional investment into Ukraine’s industrial sector. The government supports such large projects by offering incentives that reimburse up to 30% of total capital investment costs,” said Andriy Teliupa, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
NovaSklo and UkraineInvest have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Under this agreement, the government investment office will provide legal, consultative, and analytical support to help the project obtain a special status, making it eligible for tax and customs benefits, as well as partial reimbursement for infrastructure development and network connections.
“UkraineInvest, the government agency responsible for supporting large-scale investment projects, will provide critical assistance to this initiative—both in preparing applications and feasibility studies, as well as throughout the implementation of the special investment agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the investor. Our team will offer NovaSklo legal, consultative, and analytical support to accelerate the realization of its investment goals,” stated Oleksandr Melnychenko, Acting Executive Director of UkraineInvest.
NovaSklo is a project of EFI Group, a Ukrainian investment company, aimed at constructing Ukraine’s first large-scale, modern float glass manufacturing facility. This initiative is poised to attract strategic investment into the country’s industrial development, even amid the ongoing war. The project has a planned investment of €240 million and is expected to create over 300 jobs in its first year.
The project’s financing structure includes investments from EFI Group’s own funds, partners and international credit financing. Specifically, a loan covering 85% of the production equipment cost, amounting to approximately €97 million, will be provided by a bank under the guarantees of Germany’s Export Credit Agency.
A Game-Changer for Ukraine’s Glass Industry
“NovaSklo is not just a factory—it symbolizes Ukraine’s new industrial future. We are among the few in the country building production facilities from scratch with no existing analogs, pioneering the introduction of cutting-edge technologies in our sector. I believe NovaSklo will become a benchmark for efficient, high-tech, and competitive manufacturing.
Glass production is one of the most complex industries, and the risks are enormous. That is why we carefully selected the best technologies and partners. We have chosen the best German technology and equipment from HORN Glass Industries, which will be made entirely of the world’s finest refractories, top-quality rollers, a state-of-the-art furnace, and a cutting-edge lehr — all manufactured directly in Germany. We have assembled an international team of experts with direct experience in launching float glass plants, who have already worked with us for a year. Importantly, we have secured a guarantee that the equipment manufacturer’s specialists will remain on-site for a year and a half after the plant’s launch, ensuring a successful start-up, fine-tuning of operations, and comprehensive staff training to maintain the highest product quality.
Thanks to our strategic location, access to high-quality quartz sand, and support from international financial institutions, NovaSklo will be built faster, more efficiently, and will become a key driver of Ukraine’s industrial independence,” said Igor Liski, Founder of EFI Group and lead investor in NovaSklo.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine consumed 32 million m² of glass annually. By 2023, this figure had dropped to 19.6 million m². NovaSklo’s first production line will have an annual capacity of 25 million m² — less than pre-war demand. With Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts underway, the company anticipates future demand to reach 45 million m², prompting plans for a second production line. The main consumers of this glass will be manufacturers of windows, facades, and related products. This project will establish Ukraine’s glass manufacturing sector and also stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and local communities.
A Global Investment Opportunity
“The investment potential of this plant is global. We will produce high-value coated glass, which is increasingly in demand worldwide due to trends in light and sustainable construction. NovaSklo will manufacture clear float glass with enhanced transparency (mid and low iron extra-clear glass) and coated glass, including solar control (to reduce heat absorption) and low-emission coatings (to improve insulation) from the first year of operation. Additionally, we plan to produce multifunctional glass, mirror substrates, laminated architectural glass, and extra-large format glass panels (Jumbo XXL up to 12 meters). These innovations will expand possibilities for architects and contribute to Ukraine’s high-quality, energy-efficient reconstruction.
Currently, Ukraine is entirely dependent on imported glass. NovaSklo will reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, making the domestic market more resilient and competitive,” emphasized Olga Batova, CEO of investment company EFI Group. The plant construction will involve leading German manufacturers supplying state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, fostering industrial innovation, further integrating Ukraine’s economy into the European market.
Media Contacts:
Nadiia Kravchenko, Email: nk@efi.ua, Tel.: +38 063 57 788 09
About EFI Group:
EFI Group is a leading Ukrainian investment company focused on implementing strategic initiatives for the country’s economic development. The company actively collaborates with international partners, proving that Ukrainian businesses adapt to wartime challenges and drive global change. Among EFI Group’s successful projects are the Beehive honey processing plant, FEEDNOVA high-protein feed additives production facility, SemEcopack packaging production plant, and Zhytomyr Cardboard Factory, which produces multifunctional cardboard products.
EFI Group, a Ukrainian investment company specializing in industrial development, announces strategic leadership changes.
Olha Batova, a seasoned expert in building business systems and managing large-scale projects, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.
“As a team, we are accustomed to overcoming challenges and achieving significant results. However, further growth requires reinforcement. I have always believed that global change starts with a strong team and innovative ideas. We are ready for scaling and rapid development, and I am convinced that now is the time for decisive leadership,” said Ihor Liski, Founder of EFI Group.
Olha’s expertise in optimizing business processes, driving transformational change, and managing complex systems with diverse business operations will be invaluable to our team.
Her professional background includes degrees in law, economics, and psychology. She has owned a consulting business in tax advisory, legal, financial, and accounting outsourcing, led a government body managing state assets, and has extensive experience in international business.
“EFI Group stands for boldness, creativity, innovation, ambitious ideas, and immense opportunities, all rooted here in Ukraine. I believe our shared vision and planned steps will make us even more effective. Systematic and structured approaches will help us achieve more and scale successfully,” commented Olha Batova on her appointment.
Ihor Liski, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, will continue to focus on the strategic development of the company and advancing a new wave of industrialization for Ukraine.
About EFI Group
EFI Group is a leading company specializing in attracting investments, developing industrial projects, and creating innovative solutions for the industrial sector.
The Beehive team proudly attended SIAL 2024, one of the most prestigious and largest international food industry events, held only once every two years. This year, the exhibition brought together thousands of leading brands and experts from around the world, providing an important platform for establishing new contacts and strengthening existing relationships.
For Beehive, this event has become a traditional opportunity for strategic meetings, analyzing current market trends, and making significant agreements. We are actively working to enhance our honey’s position in the global market, setting new standards for the quality of Ukrainian products.
Beehive continues to showcase the true taste of Ukrainian honey to the world, and our participation in SIAL 2024 underscores our ambitions for international expansion and the promotion of Ukrainian goods. Together with new partners, we aim to achieve even greater success and impact on the global stage.
Beehive Cosmetics, a new premium brand of natural cosmetics based on honey, celebrated its retail launch with a grand event at the Marigold restaurant. The event brought together over 50 guests, including media representatives, bloggers, partners, and beauty experts.
The event, held at the Fairmont hotel’s restaurant, created an atmosphere of exclusivity. Guests were immersed in the world of natural cosmetics, felt the magic of Beehive Cosmetics products, and enjoyed live music performed by opera singer Maryana Holovko. The program featured a presentation and interactive activities, allowing guests not only to see the brand’s products but also to experience its signature honey component through a honey wine tasting.
The brand’s co-founders, Nina Dombrovska and Ihor Lisky, shared the story behind Beehive Cosmetics and their ambitious plans to develop Ukraine’s natural cosmetics industry. The brand’s products are already available in the Brocard and Mon Cheri networks, showcasing the great potential of this Ukrainian manufacturer.
Beehive Cosmetics combines natural ingredients, such as honey, with innovative technologies to create high-quality hair care products. The brand’s launch is a significant step for the Ukrainian premium cosmetics market, ready to compete with international giants.
The discussion platform “New Country,” supported by EFI Group and Left Bank – LB.UA, is launching a new session. Today, we are discussing Culture as one of the key tools in our victory.
Among the speakers:
Moderator: Sonya Koshkina, Editor-in-Chief of Left Bank (LB.UA)
Discussion topics:
We are excited to share some thrilling news from our corporate world!
We are reviving the tradition of our grand strategic sessions, where ambitious ideas and grand plans come to life. This time, we gathered in picturesque Lviv region at the magnificent Rozdil Palace. Our days were filled with intensive learning, case analysis, and the exchange of best practices, allowing us to move forward even more effectively. We can’t wait to start implementing all our new ideas!
We take pride not only in our achievements and the growth of our investment projects but also in our commitment to supporting the military and those affected by the war. While many of our charitable projects remain behind the scenes, we are grateful to everyone who supports our bold ideas and actions.
We are strong, we are a team! 
Together, we are creating the future!
Alongside our partners DOC.UA, FEEDNOVA, Forest Technology, Zhytomyr Cardboard Plant, Rozdil Palace, Sem Ecopack Ukraine, and Beehive Cosmetics, and with special thanks to Igor Liski, Olena Hvozdenko, and Hanna Havryliv, we are confident in our strength and determination.
Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm. Together, we will reach new heights!
Check out the photos of our team in action!