Another Ukrainian Cheese Plant Allowed To Export to Russia

Ukraine’s Novohrad-Volynsk Cheese Plant, part of the Western Milk Group, has been permitted by Russian regulators to renew exports to Russia starting September 17, according to Ukrainian News. In January 2006 Russia imposed a ban on imports of Ukrainian dairy products, but since then it has re-admitted imports of seven Ukrainian dairy makers, Novohrad-Volynsk Cheese Plant will become #8. Anna Dudchenko: Russia is readmitting imports from Ukrainian producers on a case-by-case basis. Regaining access to the Russian market is more important for cheese producers, which are more dependent on Russia than other manufacturers of dairy products. In 2005, before the ban, Russia accounted for 98% of Ukraine’s hard cheese exports. We expect more Ukrainian dairy companies to be re-allowed to export to Russia by 2009, as negotiations are already underway.