One of the most respected and experienced experts of the independent tasting competition Favorite Food & Drinks is its Chairman, Olena Yatchenko, PhD, Candidate of Science, PhD in Technology, and PhD of the Higher Attestation Commission.
Olena acted as an independent expert in shaping the concept of our tasting competition, the rules of participation, the conditions of the competition and the methods of food evaluation.
And here's what she has to say to the business community of the food industry in Ukraine and beyond.
"Today I would like to draw your attention to the strategic importance of Ukrainian producers' participation in the Favorite Food & Drinks competition, the only professional international tasting competition in Ukraine whose mission is to revitalise the food industry.
Participation in this competition is not a formality. It is a significant investment in brand development, proof of competitiveness and a strategic step towards growth.
Why should Ukrainian and international manufacturers choose Favorite Food & Drinks?
First of all, it is an objective professional assessment of product quality.
Independent expert tasting provides something that is impossible to obtain in any other way - an unbiased confirmation of the level of your product in accordance with international standards. It is a Meter that allows you to clearly understand and determine your place in the market.
Secondly, the Favorite Food & Drinks competition provides international visibility and reputational capital. In today's globalised marketplace, it is crucial for Ukrainian producers to make themselves known internationally. Winning or participating in a professional competition opens the door to new markets, partnerships and distribution channels.
Thirdly, the competition allows you to attract, focus the attention of consumers. Certificates and awards from professional tasting competitions build trust, which directly influences customer choice and brand loyalty.
However, the positive systemic impact on the industry deserves special attention. When leading manufacturers take part in such a competition, they are not just competing - they are creating new quality standards, stimulating innovation, and shaping a culture of professionalism in the industry.
Favorite Food & Drinks performs a critical function: it consolidates the industry around common values of quality and professionalism. It is a platform where Ukrainian producers demonstrate their potential, share their experience and shape the future of the domestic food industry.
Participation in this competition is a statement that a Ukrainian manufacturer is ready to compete at the highest level, that it is striving not just for market presence, but for leadership through quality.
We are convinced that this position ensures long-term competitiveness and sustainable development of the Ukrainian food industry."
Every year, Olena not only chairs tasting committees, assessing the quality of food products, but also shares her knowledge with colleagues. The tasters have the opportunity to learn from her experience, and the participants receive advice and consultations.
Olena's level of expertise is substantiated by her many years of successful work, including in leading government institutions and industry organisations.
For reference
Olena Oleksandrivna started her career in 1968 at the Ukrainian Research Institute of Trade and Public Catering. Since 1974, she has worked at the Ukrainian Research Institute of Food Hygiene.
S.S., Ph,
Since 1998 - Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine,
Since 2005 - Senior Research Scientist, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Centre for Preventive and Clinical Toxicology
Chairperson, co-chairperson, expert of numerous industry tasting committees for meat and dairy, bakery and confectionery food products, baby food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.