From Mariupol to Slavutych: How ‘Nova Kukhnia’ Is Reviving Ukrainian Production in Kyiv Oblast

Instead of giving up after losing her business in occupied Mariupol, Mariia Bubnova turned tragedy into a springboard for innovation. Today her brand «Nova Kukhnia» (“New Kitchen”) produces a unique product in Slavutych — ready-made home-style meals in retort pouches, which keep without refrigeration and have already become indispensable for defenders on the front line.

We spoke with the co-owner of the business about how a single Facebook post changed the fate of the production, why Kyiv Oblast became the ideal place for a “new start,” and what ambitious goals the team has set itself for 2026.

• Mariia, who were you before creating «Nova Kukhnia»? Was your previous experience connected to the food industry, and how did the idea of producing ready meals specifically in retort pouches come about?

• Before creating «Nova Kukhnia», I had experience running my own business together with my husband. We started our entrepreneurial journey back in Mariupol, opening the LLC “Azov Fruit Company,” which specialised in the wholesale supply of fruit and vegetables to supermarket chains in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. At first this was not a food-production business, but over time, thanks to the “Ukrainian Donetsk Kurkul” grant in 2018, we purchased equipment and began producing semi-finished vegetable products. In this way my professional path gradually led me to the food industry and the production of ready-made goods.
• The idea of producing ready meals in retort pouches was born while I was abroad, where I assessed various packaging formats and products with a long shelf life. This format seemed to me particularly suited to modern consumers, who are looking for convenient, high-quality and safe food that can be stored without refrigeration and easily transported. When we returned to Ukraine, this idea became the basis of a new business direction — producing ready meals on our own line in Slavutych.
  
• Your “new start” story after losing everything in Mariupol in 2022 is striking. Why did you choose Slavutych specifically for your recovery, and what role did social media play in this?

• After being forced to leave Mariupol in March 2022, it was important for us to find a city where we could rebuild the business. I posted a special request on Facebook, saying that I was looking for a city to build a new enterprise in. People from various regions responded. After negotiations and an analysis of the available options, we chose Slavutych.
• This decision was important because all the initial communication and assessment of cities took place precisely through Facebook. Then there were online meetings with the Slavutych Regional Development Agency and city council representatives. Slavutych turned out to be the optimal option thanks to its industrial premises, utilities, logistics and the community’s openness, which made it possible to launch «Nova Kukhnia».
  
• How different is the modern enterprise from the one in Mariupol? What was the hardest stage during the relaunch of production in 2024?

• Today’s enterprise is completely different from our Mariupol business. The hardest stage was developing the technical documentation and designing the new production facility, since it was necessary to take into account all the safety standards and technologies for preparing dishes specifically in retort pouches. We selected every piece of equipment ourselves, studying the experience of European producers. It was precisely this combination of careful planning and technical preparation that allowed us to launch a modern, automated and scalable production facility from scratch.

• Does Kyiv Oblast’s business ecosystem help you adapt? How do you feel the support of the region and the local community today?

• Yes, regional programmes and the local community have helped a great deal. In Kyiv Oblast I attended forums, conferences and training sessions, which allowed me to establish new horizontal business connections. Open communication with local authorities is especially important. For example, on 1 October 2025, during the shelling of Slavutych, the mayor stayed in contact, which allowed us to promptly plan our actions and restore the power supply so as not to suffer losses. Kyiv Oblast and the city actively promote development through contacts with banks and business communities, which creates a sense of stability.

• Tell us about your raw materials: do you manage to involve local farmers from Kyiv Oblast in creating your product?

• For production, we work with several reliable suppliers. We purchase part of our meat and poultry from MHP and the Hlobyne meat-processing plant. In addition, we source vegetables from local farmers, which allows us to support regional producers and ensure the freshness and naturalness of the raw materials. This approach allows us to combine the stability of large companies with support for local farms.

• Your meals are ideal for field conditions. How do you currently cooperate with our defenders and volunteers?

• Retort pouches are indeed convenient for military personnel, as they allow food to be stored for a long time without refrigeration. Although we have not yet established cooperation with the Territorial Defence Forces or the Ministry of Defence, military personnel and volunteers are already our regular customers. We offer them a permanent discount, regardless of order quantity. It is always a pleasure for me to receive video and photo feedback from them with thanks, as it is inspiring and shows that our work really helps people in difficult conditions.

• What plans does «Nova Kukhnia» have for 2026, and what advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are currently afraid to start everything from scratch in a new place?

• For 2026 we already have a wide range of 33 items. Right now the most important thing is acquiring new packaging equipment, which will increase capacity, expand the workforce and optimise production costs. After that we will be able to talk about returning to supermarkets.
• To other displaced people I would say: don’t be afraid to take the first steps. It is important to study your environment, find reliable partners, and use opportunities for learning and networking. Every small success is a step towards recovery. My experience shows that even in a new city you can rebuild a business from scratch if you have a clear goal and faith in the result.