Agricultural exports for small and medium-sized farmers: Logistics of niche products (honey, oil, craft cheeses) to global delicatessens

The market for high-quality niche products is steadily growing, opening new opportunities for small and medium-sized Ukrainian farms. Craft cheeses, cold-pressed oils, and unique varieties of honey have strong potential on the shelves of gourmet stores around the world. However, successful entry into international markets requires not only excellent product quality but also flawless logistics. Unlike mass-market goods, transporting delicacies demands special attention to temperature control, packaging, and delivery speed.

Specifics of logistics challenges for niche products

The transportation of delicacies differs fundamentally from the logistics of raw agricultural goods. This is due to the high value and sensitivity of such products to external conditions. Before shipping, it is essential to consider:

• Temperature control. For craft cheeses, strict adherence to controlled temperatures (usually from +2°C to +6°C) must be maintained throughout the entire journey. Any deviation can lead to spoilage of the batch. Even certain types of unrefined oils are sensitive to overheating.
• Short shelf life. Unlike honey, cheeses have a relatively short shelf life. This requires maximum delivery speed so that the product does not remain in storage but reaches the gourmet store shelf as fresh as possible.
• Reliable packaging. The use of glass bottles for honey and oil, as well as delicate branded packaging for cheeses, increases the risk of damage. This requires reinforced and shock-absorbing packaging solutions.

We ensure delivery with full temperature control. We guarantee 24/7 cold chain monitoring and professional thermal packaging. We ship quickly — as soon as your goods arrive, we immediately prepare them for dispatch.

Documents and permits for export

• Facility certification. For exports to the EU, especially dairy products, production facilities must be included in the official lists of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
• Veterinary and phytosanitary certificates. These are mandatory accompanying documents confirming the safety and compliance of the products with international standards.
• Customs clearance. Accurate and correct preparation of invoices, packing lists, and export declarations is critical. Any delay at the border due to a documentation error can be fatal for a batch of cheese that requires refrigeration.

We know all the details. We provide a complete list of required documents and handle all formalities correctly and officially.

How to avoid risks

Typical issues in agricultural exports include customs delays, temperature breaches, and documentation errors. To avoid these, it is important to choose a reliable logistics partner. Why do Ukrainian farmers choose GlobalPost for agro-product delivery?

• Fast delivery: from 3 days to EU countries and from 5 days worldwide.
• Turnkey service: door-to-door delivery, customs clearance, insurance, and a dedicated business account manager.
• Reliable packaging: professional thermal packaging and 24/7 cold chain control.
• Efficiency: we prepare documents and ship the cargo quickly — your products always arrive fresh.

Don’t let logistical challenges stand in the way of your export success. Contact GlobalPost — we’ll help you turn your high-quality product into a thriving international business.

→ Check out our successful case studies of agro-product exports here.

Current requirements and new markets in 2025

Since 2022, the European Union has updated a number of regulations for food imports — particularly regarding facility certification, batch traceability, and product labeling. For Ukrainian farmers, this means higher standards but also more opportunities: Ukrainian products have already earned trust on the European market thanks to consistent quality and transparent origin.

At the same time, new export destinations are opening — the UAE, South Korea, and Canada, where demand for natural niche products such as rare honey, cold-pressed oil, cheeses, and herbal teas is rapidly growing. These markets are becoming an attractive alternative to the EU and the USA, especially for small and medium producers seeking to diversify their sales.

Success begins with the right combination. Niche product + premium market + GlobalPost = the success of small and medium farmers competing with agroholdings.

Conclusion

The export of niche products is not only about the quality of farm production but also about proper logistics. Temperature control, documentation support, insurance, and compliance with customs regulations are the foundation of successful delivery. Understanding these processes helps small and medium producers confidently enter global markets, where Ukrainian honey, cheese, and oil have long been recognized as symbols of quality.

Learn more about delivery opportunities for agribusiness at this link or submit a request on our website — GlobalPost will help you organize the export of your products quickly, officially, and with minimal risks.