On May 26, 2026, the National University of Food Technologies hosted the All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference “Dairy Industry from Producer to Consumer: Modern Trends and Benchmarks,” which brought together representatives of business, education, science, international partners, and youth around the issues of human capital development in Ukraine’s dairy industry.
The main purpose of the event was to create a professional platform for interaction among business, education, science, and youth regarding the development of human capital in Ukraine’s dairy industry, discussion of current labor market trends, career opportunities, integration of education and business, as well as the training of specialists in accordance with the needs of the modern dairy industry.
Overall, the conference brought together representatives of leading dairy companies, international business, the educational community, industry associations, and students. The program included thematic presentations, speeches, a panel discussion, and participant networking.
The conference was opened by Oleksandr Shevchenko, Rector of the National University of Food Technologies, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of developing modern education and building partnerships between universities and businesses to train competitive specialists for the food industry.
Participants were also addressed by Liubomyr Khomichak, Director of the Institute of Food Resources of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor. The speaker focused on the role of science and innovation in the development of Ukraine’s dairy industry and the need to strengthen cooperation between the scientific community and producers.
A welcoming speech was delivered by Dmytro Strikhovskyi, Deputy Executive Director of the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine and Head of the project “UAdairy – Knowledge Center on Milk and Dairy Products.” In his address, he emphasized the importance of creating professional platforms for communication among business, youth, and the educational community.
Dmytro Kyryliuk, Agricultural Policy Expert at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine, spoke about the support provided to Ukraine’s dairy sector by international partners. The speaker emphasized the importance of international cooperation and support for the Ukrainian food industry amid current challenges.
Vadym Chaharovskyi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine, presented a vision of the modern dairy industry as a business, outlined key areas of professional activity in the sector, and drew attention to the prospects for its development.
Elisabeth Svyatkivska joined the conference online. During her presentation, the speaker addressed current issues related to the European integration of Ukraine’s dairy sector and the industry’s adaptation to European standards.
Roman Yanchev, Director of Product Research, Innovation, and New Project Implementation at Danone, presented the company’s business profile, international expertise, and career opportunities for young professionals in international business.
Andrii Hrytsei, General Director of Kerry Group in Ukraine, spoke about global trends in the development of the ingredients business. In his presentation, the speaker focused on innovation, global challenges, and modern approaches to the development of the food industry.
Oleh Rybachuk, Sales Department Director of Chr. Hansen Ukraine LLC (Novonesis Group), presented innovative solutions and international experience in the dairy industry, particularly modern biological solutions for the food industry.
Modern engineering solutions and technologies for the dairy industry were presented by Anatolii Lukashchuk, Chief Technologist of Lactol International Research and Production Association LLC.
Raisa Mykhailova, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Favor Company LLC, shared the experience of developing a Ukrainian manufacturer and her vision of the prospects for Ukraine’s dairy industry.
Particular attention during the conference was paid to the panel discussion “Human Capital Market Trends in the Dairy Sector,” moderated by Kristina Shpak, Head of the Legal Department of the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine and member of the Youth Council under the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. Participants discussed current labor market trends, adaptation of education to business needs, workforce challenges, and the role of youth in the development of the industry.
The discussion featured Oksana Kochubei-Litvinenko, Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Food Technologies of NUFU, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor. The speaker presented a vision for the development of modern education and cooperation between universities and business.
During the panel discussion, Andrii Hrytsei shared a practical perspective on modern business requirements for young specialists and the development of human capital in international companies.
Oksana Reva, Human Resources Director of Bila Tserkva Agro-Industrial Group PE, also joined the discussion and shared practical experience in shaping personnel policy and developing young professionals in modern agribusiness.
Summarizing the results of the event, conference participants emphasized that the development of human capital, the integration of education, science, and business, as well as the involvement of young people in the professional environment, are key prerequisites for the further development of Ukraine’s dairy industry.
The conference “Dairy Industry from Producer to Consumer: Modern Trends and Benchmarks” became an event that highlighted the main point: within the “business – education – youth” triangle, all participants are interested in developing close cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership. The next step is to transform the triangle into a quadrilateral by involving the government. It is the government that will determine whether higher education becomes focused on developing the potential of Ukraine’s food industry.
