From Local to Global: Candy Export Success. A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer.

Olena Tokar, CEO and owner of the Ukrainian candy producer Lol & Pop, details the company's evolution from a local startup to an international exporter. Driven by a desire for professional autonomy, Tokar launched the business in 2013 after discovering a unique method for creating personalized, natural candies. The company’s global expansion strategy prioritized quality and adaptability, moving from an initial franchising model to a direct export approach after identifying control issues with international partners. Despite the challenges of operating as a high-risk producer during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company successfully entered the U.S. market by leveraging prior preparation and persistence. Tokar emphasizes that international expansion functions as a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring continuous learning from mistakes, rigorous adherence to quality standards, and the resilience to navigate complex logistics and market entry barriers.