The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has presented immense challenges, not only in terms of security and stability but also in ensuring food security and economic resilience. Amidst these challenges, the Ridne Food Consortium has taken a leading role in driving sustainability, economic empowerment, and humanitarian aid, proving that resilience and innovation can thrive even in times of crisis. With the support of FuturePlus, the Ridne Food Consortium is demonstrating how businesses can drive positive impact and create economic value, even in the most difficult circumstances.

“The war shouldn't be an obstacle for us because we need to develop our economy and we want to be a successful country.” - Serhii Kovalchuk, Deputy Director of Ridne.

Strengthening Ukraine’s Food Front

Founded during the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Ridne Food Consortium was established to consolidate Ukrainian food and agricultural enterprises, ensuring efficient and effective humanitarian aid distribution. More than just a food provider, the Ridne Food Consortium is committed to creating jobs, modernising production, and offering vital resources to those affected by the war.

“The aim is to supply food effectively to humanitarian organisations that are now working in Ukraine and helping the frontline, helping internally displaced people and other groups of a vulnerable population. There are a lot of challenges in supplies, in electricity and logistics.” - Serhii Kovalchuk, Deputy Director of Ridne.

The consortium’s core values of quality, efficiency, flexibility, and the promotion of Ukrainian-made products are at the heart of its mission. By uniting small and medium-sized farmers and food factories, the consortium ensures that locally produced food not only reaches those in need but also strengthens Ukraine’s agricultural economy.

The Role of FuturePlus in driving sustainable impact and resilience

Since December 2023, FuturePlus has partnered with the Ridne Food Consortium to manage and report its sustainability performance. Using a data-led, future-focused approach, FuturePlus has been able to provide strategic guidance on sustainable practices, helping Ridne create a clear roadmap for the future.

Speaking at the Ridne Food Consortium’s annual conference in Kyiv, Mike Penrose, Co-Founder and Partner of FuturePlus, highlighted the impact of this collaboration. One of the key takeaways from the conference was the release of Ridne’s first-ever Impact Report, which showcased remarkable achievements:

• Over 2 million food parcels delivered
• 50% increase in food parcel distribution over the past year
• 1,500,000 UAH invested into social projects
• 15% of employees are internally displaced people

These figures illustrate the tangible difference that Ridne and FuturePlus are making in Ukraine.

Beyond Aid: Creating Sustainable Economic Growth

While humanitarian aid is crucial, long-term economic recovery is key to Ukraine’s future. FuturePlus and Ridne are working towards an approach that enables Ukraine to generate its own revenue rather than rely solely on international aid.

One of the significant challenges that Ukraine faces is agricultural protectionism. Despite being the breadbasket of Europe, Ukraine’s agricultural exports are often blocked from entering the EU due to policies designed to protect European farmers.

“The EU blocks the export of raw products from Ukraine to protect their own farmers. It’s not wrong to protect your own farmers, but at the same time, we block a country that desperately needs external revenue from selling into our markets.” - Mike Penrose

To overcome this, FuturePlus is supporting Ridne in developing export markets for Ukrainian processed food products. Instead of exporting raw materials like sunflower seeds, they are focusing on exporting processed goods such as sunflower oil, which adds value within Ukraine, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

This shift means:

• More jobs for Ukrainians
• Increased tax revenues to support public services
• A reduction in dependency on international aid

“Rather than giving aid and paying for someone to eat, we will create jobs. We will allow them to be self-sufficient and have the dignity that comes with that.” - Mike Penrose, Co-Founder, FuturePlus

A Model for Social Impact

Ridne’s vision extends beyond business. One of its most innovative approaches is using profits from food sales to fund social centres. These centres provide vulnerable Ukrainians with access to affordable, subsidised food products, ensuring that those most in need receive vital support while preserving dignity and self-reliance.

In addition, Ridne operates a café in Kyiv, seamlessly blending social impact with commercial viability. As Mike shares: “The founders of Ridne opened a coffee shop, that’s now really popular, in Kyiv. It’s a great way to get their message out while running a sustainable business.”

Looking Ahead: Ukrainian Products in Global Markets

FuturePlus is actively working with partners such as Freud’s marketing agency, Schroders Bank, and food import specialists to introduce Ukrainian food products to the UK market. By supporting these products, UK consumers can directly contribute to job creation, economic recovery, and social impact in Ukraine.

This initiative is an example of win-win cooperation—where businesses, consumers, and communities all benefit.

“Sustainability practices are a very new thing for Ukraine and our companies. By our example, we want to show a new approach to production. FuturePlus provides constant support and guidance, helping us modernise and create a clear roadmap for action.” - Serhii Kovalchuk, Deputy Director of Ridne.

The partnership between FuturePlus and the Ridne Food Consortium is a powerful example of sustainability in action. By shifting the focus from reliance on aid to economic self-sufficiency, job creation, and social impact, we are helping Ukraine build a future that is resilient, independent, and sustainable.

This collaboration is not just about food; it is about empowerment, dignity, and long-term change. By supporting Ukrainian products and advocating for fair trade policies, we can all play a part in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and ensuring a brighter future for its people.

If your business is interested in partnering with Ridne Food Consortium to support sustainable food production and economic growth in Ukraine, we’d love to hear from you.