Construction of a factory with a sorting line and 1,500 sq. m. of freezers

Overview

The farm enterprise "Best Berry" was established in March 2019, with total investments of $614,000 over the past six years. The company specializes in the wholesale distribution of high-quality frozen fruits, vegetables, and berries across Ukraine and internationally. "Best Berry" serves a diverse clientele, including industries, retail chains, confectioneries, bakeries, HoReCa establishments, and end consumers. While it operates without in-house production facilities, the company sources produce from local plantations in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv regions and uses third-party freezing services for raspberries. Recently, it has expanded into European export markets, supplying products to countries like Italy, Poland, and Germany.

Brief Description of the Project / Technology / Other Specifics

The project involves constructing a factory equipped with a sorting line and 1,500 square meters of freezer space to process and store produce from "Best Berry’s" plantations. This facility will enable extended storage of berries for off-season sales, increasing profitability by up to 20% by meeting demand when supply is lower. The key processes include:

• Reception and delivery of produce.
• Freezing and sorting by variety.
• Laser inspection and packaging.
• Detector inspection to ensure the absence of foreign objects.

The facility will prioritize sustainability through energy-efficient equipment and plans to install a solar power plant to meet part of its energy needs. It will employ 15 staff, supporting the local economy.

Advantages of the Project

• Enables off-season sales of berries, increasing margins by up to 20%.
• Provides year-round revenue through extended storage capabilities, reducing income volatility.
• Proximity to the EU border lowers logistical costs for export markets.
• Close to berry plantations, minimizing transportation and handling expenses.
• Focuses on naturally grown berries without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, capturing the health-conscious market.
• Designed for future expansion to meet growing demand in high-value export markets.
• Aligns with ESG principles through sustainable and energy-efficient practices, appealing to socially responsible investors.

Company Owner or CEO Overview

Volodymyr Kniazevych has been the owner and CEO of "Best Berry" since 2019, overseeing its strategy, development, and entry into international export markets.