At the World Food Exhibition in Kyiv, thousands of visitors and exhibitors continued to negotiate deals despite the ongoing war. Many business owners showed a renewed sense of hope for the future, with some determined to stay and continue developing their businesses despite adverse circumstances. Kuhovar, an instant food maker from Kharkiv, had a variety of noodles on display, including a gluten-free version of instant soba noodles made from buckwheat, the first in Europe, which they developed after the full-scale invasion began.

Linas Maslika, a Lithuanian entrepreneur, has been bringing in products from the Baltic states and Poland, in partnership with the EU, since the war broke out. He is determined to be in Ukraine, spending three weeks each month in the country. The war is having a far-reaching impact, even in the Baltic states, as electricity costs have increased by five times in the winter, which means higher costs for factories and higher prices of products manufactured.

Furthermore down the exhibition hall was a family-owned business called Mamapastila, a family-owned confectionery that was introduced after the war began. The business is still in its early stages but garnered much interest from visitors at the exhibition. They are considering selling their products abroad and are looking to sort out the documents required.

Kyiv City Roastery, a local coffee roasting company that imports coffee beans from other countries and sells them to different cafes and kiosks in the city, also displayed their products. Marmuliada, a small marmalade manufacturer from western Ukraine, also imported ingredients from other countries, such as fruits, to introduce less-common options to the domestic market. While the brand has gained some interest from international buyers, its focus remains on domestic markets in Ukraine.

In an inconspicuous corner of the exhibition hall stood a man in military uniform, Yaro, call-sign „Dragon” in the military, stationed in the drone operations unit. Some of those who organised the exhibition are enlisted fighters, allowing them to have a stand free of charge in solidarity.

Despite the war’s huge impact on local industry, participation has returned to pre-war levels – minus the usual foreign participation. The food industry in Ukraine continues to suffer from war and its consequences, such as destruction of production and storage facilities, blackouts, and lack of specialists due to people joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect citizens and lands.