“True Reliability in Agribusiness Is Proven During Times of Crisis”

Volyn Trading Industrial Group has remained one of the most stable players in Ukraine’s agricultural and industrial market for nearly two decades. The company operates in the procurement, logistics, transshipment, processing, and export of agricultural products, providing a complete cycle of cooperation with partners—from producers to international markets.

We spoke with Serhii Volodymyrovych Berest, Commercial Manager of Volyn Trading Industrial Group, about the challenges of wartime operations, logistics transformation, business principles, and the future prospects of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.

— Mr. Berest, today Volyn Trading Industrial Group is well known in Ukraine’s agricultural market. How did the company’s story begin?

— The company was founded in 2007 in Lutsk. At the beginning, it was a regional agricultural operator, but from the very start we built the business with a long-term vision. Our goal was to create a systematic company capable of providing a full cycle of agricultural product operations—from procurement to export.

We never focused on quick results. The foundation of our growth has always been our reputation, discipline in fulfilling obligations, and honest partnerships. These principles enabled Volyn Trading Industrial Group to gradually develop into a strong organization that now operates both in domestic and international markets.

— What are the company’s key areas of activity today?

— Today, Volyn Trading Industrial Group operates in several strategic areas simultaneously: agricultural procurement, logistics, transshipment, processing, export, and shipment support.

In essence, we provide the entire supply chain—from farmers and producers to international buyers. It is a highly responsible system in which every stage must function efficiently and without interruption.

We place particular emphasis on logistics and infrastructure because today speed, stability, and process control are what determine competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

— Over the years, the Ukrainian agricultural market has gone through many crises. What has helped the company maintain stability?

— First and foremost, responsibility toward our partners and a systematic approach to business.

We have always adhered to one principle: if a company assumes an obligation, it must fulfill it regardless of circumstances. This is what builds trust, which is exceptionally valuable in agribusiness.

Over the past 18 years, we have navigated economic crises, currency fluctuations, difficult export periods, and major market changes. Every challenge has made us stronger, more adaptable, and more efficient in improving our internal processes.

— How has the war affected the operations of Volyn Trading Industrial Group?

— The war has become the greatest challenge in the history of Ukrainian business in general and our company in particular.

In 2022, the agricultural sector was forced to completely restructure its logistics system. Port closures, transportation shortages, increased risks, fuel supply issues, and transportation disruptions required immediate solutions.

Even under such circumstances, we did not stop operations for a single day.

For us, it was crucial to maintain stability for our partners, support farmers, and ensure business continuity. We quickly adapted transportation routes, restructured parts of our logistics chains, and continued fulfilling our obligations to clients both in Ukraine and abroad.

I believe that it is precisely during such moments that a company’s true reliability is tested.

— What motivates your team to continue working and developing today?

— The understanding that our work contributes to the economic resilience of the country.

Today, Ukraine’s agricultural sector is one of the foundations of the national economy. Despite the war, farmers continue to generate foreign currency revenues, create jobs, and support the stability of many regions.

Our team is strongly motivated by responsibility for a shared result. During difficult times, professionalism, mutual support, and trust within the team become especially important.

— How important are investments in infrastructure and technology today?

— They are no longer merely an advantage—they are a necessity.

Modern agribusiness is impossible to imagine without efficient logistics, advanced storage technologies, and high-quality processing facilities. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, which makes speed of decision-making and operational efficiency critically important.

We continuously invest in infrastructure development, logistics optimization, and operational improvements. This enables us to guarantee stability and predictable results for our partners.

— What principles guide Volyn Trading Industrial Group in its work with partners?

— Our key principles remain honesty, transparency, and professionalism.

We build cooperation not on short-term gains but on long-term partnerships. That is why we work successfully with both small farming enterprises and large agricultural holdings, as well as international traders.

In our industry, reputation takes years to build and can be lost in a single day. Therefore, we approach every partnership and every commitment with great responsibility.

— How do you assess the prospects of Ukraine’s agricultural sector?

— I am convinced that Ukraine’s agricultural sector has an exceptionally strong future.

Despite all the challenges, Ukraine remains one of the key players in the global agricultural market. Our farmers continue to demonstrate remarkable professionalism, adaptability, and resilience even under the most difficult conditions.

After the war ends, agriculture will become one of the primary drivers of the country’s economic recovery. We are already working today with this long-term perspective in mind.

— What does the name “Volyn Trading” personally mean to you today?

— First and foremost, it means responsibility and trust.

Over the years, Volyn Trading Industrial Group has built a reputation associated with stability, professionalism, and reliability. For us, these are not just words—they are the result of the daily work of a large and dedicated team.

We value the trust of our partners and work every day to strengthen it further. Because the core principle of our business is that results must always meet the highest standards.

— Thank you for the interview.

— Thank you. It was a pleasure speaking with you.