“Business needs partnership and trust of the state, not benefits.” Svitlana Sobipan, CEO of Avesterra Group, outlines key challenges of Ukrainian poultry industry

The participants discussed modern technologies in poultry farming, market challenges, energy security and ways to improve production efficiency.

Among the speakers are Svitlana Sobipan, CEO of Avesterra Groupwho presented the vision of the industry and shared the company’s experience in the wartime economy. She outlined the key challenges faced by the poultry industry today and emphasized that the government should focus on creating conditions for stable business operations rather than control.

“Today, poultry farming remains one of the most resilient sectors of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. But we are facing challenges that determine the future of the entire industry. Among the main challenges is administrative pressure on business. Companies that work honestly, pay taxes and invest despite difficult conditions should not have to spend resources on constant explanations or refutations of inaccurate information. Business today needs partnership, trust, and clear and transparent rules of the game, not benefits. We understand that there are challenges that are beyond the control of business, such as war, border blockades, and energy shortages. But when there is a lack of government support, it becomes really difficult to work. Business expects partnership, protection and trust from the state, not control.” – Svitlana Sobipan emphasized.

She paid special attention to to the problem of staff shortagewhich is now common to the entire economy:

“The shortage of qualified personnel is probably one of the most painful topics. We actively cooperate with vocational schools and universities, because we need to attract people from the training stage. We also form our own talent pool – the growth of managers from within the company is our strategy. I joined Avesterra Group as a manager myself, and I know very well how important it is to give people the opportunity to develop.”

The key topics of the forum include energy security. Svitlana Sobipan emphasized that the upcoming winter will be difficult for all industries, as the enemy is systematically attacking the energy infrastructure.

“Production cannot exist without electricity or gas. We are preparing for winter, but the issue of energy supply remains critical for the entire industry. Especially now, when the cost of electricity in Ukraine is sometimes higher than in the EU. Businesses are looking at alternative energy sources – investment in modernization is no longer a luxury, but a condition for survival “She emphasized.

Other important challenges include logistics.

“We remember how much the last year’s border blockade hit business. It affected not only exports but also imports, including the supply of equipment. Today, it is very important that the government creates stable logistics corridors so that Ukrainian businesses can plan and fulfill their obligations. “said the head of Avesterra Group.

Avesterra Group is a Ukrainian group of companies in the poultry and agro-processing industry. It operates a production cycle from growing grain to manufacturing finished products under the Epikur, Chebaturochka and Delika brands. The company is one of the top 4 chicken producers in Ukraine, provides more than 1500 jobs and remains one of the key taxpayers in the industry.