Smakuli, a Ukrainian brand of gluten-free, lactose-free, allergen-free snacks with prebiotics, produced in the Lviv region, is now available in major Ukrainian retail chains and, recently, in REWE stores in southern Germany, reports German publication Amal, Berlin.
Germany is one of the largest markets for healthy food in the EU, and the demand for gluten-free products is growing annually, creating strong prospects for functional snacks high in fiber.
"I’ve always dreamed of international recognition for our products," said Smakuli founder and head of the Ukrainian Food Manufacturers Alliance (UFMA), Ruslana Rymarska. "That’s why, in addition to Germany, we are working on entering the markets of the Netherlands and Sweden."
In Germany, Smakuli faces competition from well-established brands, so they needed to offer an additional advantage. The company produces cookies with prebiotic inulin from chicory, and adjustments had to be made to the amount of this substance in the product to meet the requirements for labeling the cookies as a source of fiber.
"Smakuli is the first Ukrainian company to partner with REWE and compete with the giants in the category. We wanted to show Germans that we are professional, competent, and punctual business partners. Our business culture will also be evaluated based on how we work. If we succeed, it will pave the way for other companies," explains Rymarska.
