Ukrainian companies are boldly expanding beyond their borders, with at least 800 franchise locations across more than 30 countries worldwide by July 2025, according to Forbes Ukraine, citing data from Most Franchising.
This rapid international growth proves that Ukrainian businesses are not only surviving amid challenging times but also confidently competing in European, Asian, and North American markets.
Leading the charge is Lviv Croissants, which operates over 10 locations in Poland, has recently entered Slovakia, and opened its first US franchise in Atlanta in 2024. Their pastries are made locally and continue to gain popularity among American customers.
The popular Ukrainian chain P’yana Vyshnya (!FEST) has launched 15 outlets in Poland and nine more across the Baltics, Czechia, and Germany, with plans to enter Paris and London by the end of 2025.
Seafood restaurant Chornomorka has expanded to Warsaw, Bratislava, and Vienna. Meanwhile, Aroma Kava, a leading Ukrainian coffee shop brand, steadily grows in Poland with 10 locations since 2022.
Brands like Roshen and Khortytsia focus mainly on exports but maintain a strong presence in over 20 countries including the EU, the US, Israel, and the UAE.
In October 2024, Lviv-based brewery “Pravda” opened its first establishment in Lisbon, Portugal. The venue, called Pravda Craft Mission, features eight beer taps and offers more than 20 varieties of bottled beer. The location spans 34 square meters and accommodates 23 seats.
On the educational front, AMAKids, founded in Ukraine, now operates more than 200 learning centers across Europe, including Germany, Italy, and the Baltic states.
What’s Driving Their Success?
Experts point to several key factors:
🔹 Adapting business models and products to local tastes
🔹 Consistent quality and fast onboarding for franchisees
🔹 Strong demand from both the Ukrainian diaspora and local customers
🔹 Flexible pricing strategies and quick return on investment
Ukrainian entrepreneurs are proving that even amid global challenges, they can scale up — doing so with style, flavor, and strategic planning.
