International cross-sector platform

Problem:
Most HoReCa manufacturers operate in a “closed market,” where key hotels, restaurants, and distributors are reluctant to change suppliers, and transparent channels for reaching a B2B audience simply do not exist. Even a high-quality product remains unnoticed without the right contacts and support, and direct negotiations are often inaccessible. As a result, the manufacturer fails to secure new contracts, and their growth comes to a standstill.

How the Cluster helps:

• Inclusion in the HoReCa catalog and integration into a B2B networking system with restaurateurs and hoteliers.
• Organization of meetings, tastings, and product testing for key procurement officers (through HoReCa committees).
• Hosting industry events, roundtables, and presentations where Cluster members pitch their products directly to market leaders.
• Recommendations and support from industry experts to build trust and open doors for new contracts.
• Public brand promotion and regular marketing campaigns targeting key HoReCa players.

Problem:
Entering the export market is a barrier for most Ukrainian manufacturers: there is a lack of understanding regarding certification, legislative requirements, logistics, partners, and practical experience. Finding a buyer, attending an exhibition, or organizing a shipment independently is nearly impossible without assistance.

How the Cluster helps:

• Export support: strategy, readiness audit, market selection, document preparation, logistics, certification (ISO, HACCP, etc.), product positioning, and distributor search.
• Organization of participation in international exhibitions (SIAL, Gulfood, Anuga) with a joint stand and B2B marketing.
• Inclusion in catalogs for global buyers and support at every stage of the export process.
• Assistance with adapting products to target market requirements, packaging localization, and translations.
• Personal contract facilitation, legal support, and consultations on logistics and taxation.

Problem:
The HoReCa market is changing rapidly: new trends, eco-standards, formats, technologies, and requirements for innovative products and services. Manufacturers struggle to keep up with these changes and lack access to the specific demands of hotels and restaurants, risking being “left behind” due to market irrelevance.

How the Cluster helps:

• Access to analytics and trend reports regarding demand, new product formats, and HoReCa operator requirements.
• Workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions with key restaurateurs and hoteliers.
• HoReCa Academy educational program: training on standards, innovations, marketing, packaging, and service.
• Direct feedback collection from industry leaders regarding your products (evaluations, testing, and suggestions).
• Assistance in implementing innovations (eco-packaging, ready-to-use, smart solutions) into the production process.

We provide participants with direct access to the HoReCa market in Ukraine and abroad. Through centralized export services, participation in international exhibitions (SIAL, Anuga, etc.), buyer-onboarding programs, and B2B connections, companies can gain access to buyers, distributors, hotel chains, and restaurateurs in short timeframes—without lengthy negotiations or intermediaries.

Problem:
Lack of sufficient capital, information about grants and investors, complexity in preparing applications, and a lack of practical experience in pitching and defending projects before funds. Many promising ideas “freeze” without support.

How the Cluster helps:

• Access to the Investment Club: pitching to business angels, funds, banks, and corporate investors.
• Consultations on project preparation, business plans, and financial models for investment and grant programs.
• A catalog of current grants, selection of relevant opportunities for members, and support during the application process.
• Organization of masterclasses on fundraising and communication with donors.
• Mentorship support to increase the chances of successfully securing funding.

Problem:
A high-quality product is often “invisible” to the market: it isn’t invited to events, mentioned in professional circles, or recommended by partners. Internal marketing resources are limited, and there is no access to specialized HoReCa communication channels.

How the Cluster helps:

• Publishing company and product profiles in the HoReCa catalog and B2B platform for buyers and hotels.
• Joint information campaigns, PR materials, video interviews, expert columns, and new product reviews.
• Organizing participation in industry exhibitions, conferences, tastings, and roundtables.
• Granting “Cluster Member” status—increasing trust and authority within the market.
• Access to partner media, news placement, and opportunities to speak at professional events.