Introduction – Current State of Play: The Ice Cream Sector in Ukraine
If you’re in the food business, especially in dairy or frozen desserts, Ukraine’s ice cream sector is one to watch right now. Why? Because 2025 has been a rollercoaster year for the Ukrainian ice cream industry—packed with unexpected growth, shifting trade policies, production challenges, and evolving consumer tastes.
Let’s start with the big headline: ice cream exports from Ukraine have skyrocketed. Thanks to the UK lifting tariffs on Ukrainian products, shipments surged from just 4 tons in 2022 to 76 tons in 2024. That’s not just growth—it’s a 19-fold leap, with revenues jumping from $17,000 to a staggering $335,000.
But that’s not the only story. Ukraine saw a 76% rise in ice cream exports in March 2025 alone, and dairy exports overall grew by 44%. Yet, it’s not all smooth scooping. The European Union reinstated tariffs and quotas in mid-2025, slowing down exports to some key EU markets.
On the production side, energy blackouts caused by infrastructure attacks created major hurdles in 2024. But resilience is in the air—big players like Mondelez have restarted operations, signaling a sector that’s bouncing back stronger.
Let’s not forget the weather. With summers getting longer and hotter, Ukrainians and export markets alike are craving more ice cream, especially natural, plant-based, and sugar-light varieties.
So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re sourcing, distributing, or retailing ice cream, being up-to-date with Ukraine’s fast-changing market is crucial. And platforms like Freshdi help you do just that—offering verified supplier insights, dynamic RFQs, and real-time market trends.
Deep Dive – What’s Making Headlines? Key Recent News & Impacts
The Ukrainian ice cream industry has been breaking records.
In 2023, Ukraine exported around 10,000 tons of ice cream, up 44% from the previous year, bringing in over $32 million—a new national record. The top destinations? Moldova, Germany, and Poland.
Fast forward to Q1 2025, and the momentum continues: 2,880 tons exported, a 39% increase compared to Q1 2024. Why the spike? Lower raw milk prices in Ukraine—28% cheaper than in the EU—make Ukrainian ice cream more cost-effective for importers.
But it’s not all sunshine and sprinkles. Competition from EU producers offering lower prices has made it harder for Ukrainian exporters in regions like the Middle East and North Africa. And with the EU trade deal changes, some exports are now facing fresh barriers.
Domestically, Ukrainian producers are pivoting. To reduce excess raw materials and maintain their market share, they’re focusing on fresh dairy and ice cream, often offering discounts to attract customers.
On the investment front, entrepreneur Tara Kytsmey is making waves. She’s pouring €17.1 million into Ukraine’s largest private dairy investment in a decade—building a 2,000-head dairy farm. Expect this to boost supply and possibly stabilize prices in the coming years.
Top 8 Verified Ice Cream Suppliers in Ukraine – Navigating Current Market Realities
Verified by Freshdi for their reliability, global reach, and compliance with export standards, these are Ukraine’s top ice cream suppliers of 2025. Whether you’re a wholesaler, importer, or brand owner, these names are worth knowing.
1. ТОВ ТІРАС ТМ МОЗАЇКА
A well-established name in Ukraine’s frozen dessert scene, this company is known for its classic and innovative formats. They’ve built a strong export track record, especially in Eastern Europe.
2. LODMAR-UKRAINE
LODMAR combines tradition with modern production, offering a wide range of ice cream products, often tailored for bulk buyers and international orders.
3. MARIUPOLSKIY HOLODOKOMBINAT
Despite being in a conflict-affected region, this supplier has maintained quality and consistency. They offer both private label and branded products for export.
4. ANDJOY
A newer player but highly rated for innovation, ANDJOY offers plant-based and low-sugar options, aligning well with global health trends.
5. PANFRUIT
Recognized globally for its freeze-dried blueberry ice cream, PANFRUIT was featured at the Anuga Taste Innovation Show, drawing attention from Japan, Korea, and the USA.
6. Pharm Export Group
This group offers pharmaceutical-grade quality control in its food production—a big win for clients concerned with hygiene and shelf life.
7. ТОВ «АЙС-ФУДС»
Known for bulk formats and institutional supply, ICE-FOODS is ideal for hotels, schools, and military contracts across Europe and Asia.
8. GALYCHYNA LASUNKA LLC
With a wide European footprint, Galychyna Lasunka is focused on taste, packaging, and eco-friendly practices. Their branding appeals across age groups.
9. LVIV REFRIGERATING INTEGRATED PLANT OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY
One of the oldest and most trusted names in Ukraine’s refrigeration and ice cream production, with a reputation for quality and scale.
10. CHERNOMOROCHKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Specializes in regionally-inspired flavors, with a growing export base in the Middle East and Africa.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Platforms like Freshdi feature real-time updates such as “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter,” based on export data, user feedback, and RFQ trends—perfect for staying informed.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to Today’s Ice Cream Landscape in Ukraine
Let’s break down what this all means for your ice cream sourcing strategy.
🌍 Opportunity: UK Market Boom
With zero tariffs in place, the UK is now a goldmine for Ukrainian exporters. If you’re a UK distributor, now’s the time to lock in deals before competition heats up.
🌱 Opportunity: Product Innovation
Freeze-dried, plant-based, and low-sugar formats are catching international eyes. PANFRUIT’s success is proof that niche innovation can open doors, from Tokyo to Toronto.
🌐 Opportunity: European Expansion
Ukrainian brands like Three Bears are leveraging sister companies in Poland to reach EU shelves. Partnerships with such cross-border entities can ease regulatory navigation.
🧊 Challenge: Extreme Seasonality
Ice cream is still largely a summer treat in Ukraine. If you’re sourcing year-round, consider diversifying across hemispheres or focusing on shelf-stable formats like freeze-dried ice cream.
💸 Challenge: Economic Volatility
War and inflation have squeezed domestic wallets. This could mean more aggressive pricing from Ukrainian manufacturers looking to offload inventory—an opportunity in disguise?
⚠️ Challenge: Regulatory Red Tape
Labeling issues recently led to Poland banning a large batch of Ukrainian ice cream. The lesson? Double down on compliance checks before shipping.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Rapidly Evolving Market
Ukraine’s ice cream market in 2025 is full of surprises—some sweet, some not-so-sweet. Exports are booming thanks to favorable trade agreements, while innovation is keeping the country on the global radar. But challenges like energy instability, EU tariffs, and regulatory pitfalls still require careful planning.
For businesses, the key is agility. Keep your sourcing strategies flexible, diversify your supplier base, and stay updated with the latest regulatory shifts.
That’s where tools like Freshdi come in. The platform helps businesses connect with verified Ukrainian suppliers, monitor RFQ trends, and react quickly to the constantly shifting market. In a fast-moving space like this, having the right data at your fingertips isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine’s ice cream exports jumped by 76% in early 2025, driven by UK demand and low input costs.
- Top suppliers like PANFRUIT and ANDJOY are gaining global recognition for innovation.
- Seasonality and EU trade hurdles remain key challenges.
- Platforms like Freshdi are critical for navigating supplier reliability, compliance, and market trends.
Ice Cream Sourcing Checklist: Ukraine 2025 Edition
- ✅ Confirm supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, etc.)
- ✅ Verify export experience and shipping capabilities
- ✅ Check product portfolio for health-conscious or shelf-stable options
- ✅ Ensure label compliance for destination markets
- ✅ Use Freshdi to track RFQ trends and new supplier rankings
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Ukraine’s Ice Cream Market?
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s ice cream industry is expected to continue expanding—especially in non-EU markets like the UK, MENA, and Asia. With large investments in dairy infrastructure and a shift toward healthier, innovative products, the sector is leaning into a future that’s both competitive and creative.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers in This Market
- Provides access to verified supplier portfolios
- Offers real-time RFQ alerts tailored to your region and category
- Showcases dynamic supplier rankings based on activity, feedback, and export success
- Helps manage compliance and quality assurance via built-in audit tools
FAQs
1. What makes Ukrainian ice cream competitive internationally?
Lower raw milk prices, innovative product formats, and favorable trade agreements (like zero tariffs with the UK) make Ukrainian ice cream cost-effective and appealing to global buyers.
2. Are there plant-based or health-conscious ice cream options from Ukraine?
Yes! Companies like ANDJOY and PANFRUIT are leading the charge with plant-based, sugar-free, and freeze-dried varieties.
3. What’s the best season to source ice cream from Ukraine?
Spring and summer are peak production times, but some suppliers now offer shelf-stable options like freeze-dried ice cream for year-round shipping.
4. How can I ensure a supplier is reliable?
Use B2B platforms like Freshdi to review verified suppliers, check export history, and view certifications.
5. Is it risky to source from Ukraine given current events?
There are risks, but many suppliers have adapted with backup power, diversified logistics, and international partnerships. With the right sourcing strategy and tools like Freshdi, it’s manageable.
References
- Ukrainian ice cream exports to UK surge nearly 20-fold – Odessa Journal
- Ukraine’s dairy exports surge amid challenges – Dairy News
- Mondelez resumes Oreo production in Ukraine – Reuters
- Ice Cream Market in Ukraine 2025 – StrategyH
- Ukraine exported record ice cream volumes – Baltimore Chronicle
- Panfruit ice cream innovation – Odessa Journal
- Freshdi B2B Platform
