Fozzy Group Looking for Norwegian Producers

One of the largest food retail groups in the Ukrainian market, Fozzy Group, with more than 700 stores across the country, is in Norway to meet with Norwegian suppliers, aiming to import Norwegian products for sale in Ukraine.

What is the purpose of your trip to Norway?

The idea stems from the fact that last year we launched the “Gastro Mandry” project. Under this project, Fozzy Groupexplores cultures that are not widely represented in Ukraine and brings them to Ukraine, planning to feature them on separate stands for each country. The concept is that this stand will be dedicated to the Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Our goal is to study the market: to learn what Norwegians eat and buy, to receive offers from suppliers and select, to find a high-quality and popular brand with an acceptable price range, to analyse the market and opportunities for collaboration, and to decide about launching the project.”

How are things with trade in Ukraine now?

Overall, the situation is stable, and sales continue. We have a plan we stick to, and we’re generally satisfied with how things are going. However, there are challenges: the war has impacted the market, as a significant number of people have left, reducing the pool of customers. Inflation has become a serious challenge, especially in 2023. Because of this, exchange rates and food prices have risen and sales in the medium and high price segments have decreased. Some of our warehouses has also been hit, destroying both products and equipment. Despite all these trials, operations continue, and even during the war, we remain successful in the market.

What do you think about Norwegian food?

In general, it’s quite like Ukrainian cuisine, especially in dishes that include potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Of course, venison is not typical for Ukraine. We really liked the dairy products, especially the cheese. Brunost is already available in Ukraine, and it’s gaining popularity thanks to its unique combination of caramel and cheese. Pastries, crispbread, and flatbread also have potential in the Ukrainian market. There are good prospects for Norwegian meat products in Ukraine. We also see potential in the Norwegian water and dairy segment.

Exploring Norwegian Products

First Day: Snåsa Mineral Water

During the first day, the Fozzy Group delegation met with Snåsa, one of Norway’s leading mineral water producers. Their high-quality drinking water—sourced from pristine Arctic springs—has a naturally soft taste and balanced mineral composition. The Ukrainian representatives were keen to assess its quality and explore potential distribution opportunities in Ukraine.

Second Day: Lefse – A Traditional Norwegian Taste

The second day brought more gastronomic discoveries. The delegation visited Baxt, a producer of traditional Norwegian lefse. This thin, soft flatbread is integral to Norwegian cuisine and is commonly served with butter, sugar, cinnamon, or even fish paste. It’s enjoyed daily by nearly every Norwegian. For the Ukrainian team, lefse was a delightful revelation that could potentially find its niche back home.

Taste Discoveries: Sampling Norwegian Snacks and Sweets

To better understand local preferences, Fozzy Group organized a tasting session of popular Norwegian snacks and sweets.

What were the favorites among the Ukrainian delegation?

• Dairy products – high-quality taste and natural ingredients
• Kaviar – traditional Norwegian fish paste with a bold flavor
• Maarud Chips – crispy potato chips in classic and unique flavors
• Smash! – salty snacks coated in chocolate
• Bamse Mums – soft marshmallow chocolates

What’s Next?

This visit marked an important step in exploring the Norwegian market and identifying potential partners to bring high-quality Scandinavian products to Ukraine.