I. Executive Summary: Findings and Strategic Implications
This report analyzes the potential roles and capacities of specific commercial entities in Ukraine's **chestnut import market**, focusing on the **2018 data year**. The examined entities are categorized into three main archetypes based on their primary economic activity codes (KVED) and corporate status: **Direct Wholesalers** (KVED 46.31), **Intermediaries** (KVED 46.19), and **Large Retail Distributors** (KVED 47.11).
Based on KVED analysis, high-probability importers include Tov "Tavrust", focused on specialized wholesale trade, and the large retailer/end-user Tov Silpo Food, which handles national retail supply. The status of TОВ "АЛЬТСОЛ" having ceased operations ("припинено") highlights the market consolidation pressure and high corporate mortality rate among less integrated players in the **2018 market**.
II. Corporate Registration Verification and Entity Reconciliation
This section meticulously examines the provided list of 14 commercial entities, reconciles naming variations, and validates their fundamental corporate status and legal compliance within the context of the target year, 2018.
B. Current Corporate Status and Operational Longevity Analysis
Attention: The TОВ "АЛЬТСОЛ" (EDRPOU 41253543) firm's status as "припинено" (ceased operations) as of July 24, 2025, indicates the risk of failure to adapt to post-2018 market pressures.
Table 1: 2018 Importer List Reconciliation and Verification Status
| Input Company Name | Standardized Legal Name | Reconciliation Status | Current Legal Status | Primary KVED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tov Altsol | ТОВ "АЛЬТСОЛ" | Unique | Ceased Operations | Verification Pending |
| Tov "Altsol" | ТОВ "АЛЬТСОЛ" | Duplicate | Ceased Operations | Verification Pending |
| Tzov Tradekom Zakhid | ТОВ «ТРЕЙДКОМ-ЗАХІД» | Unique | Active | 46.19 |
| Tov "Tavrust" | ТОВ "ТАВРУСТ" | Unique | Active | 46.31 |
| Tov Silpo Food | ТОВ "СІЛЬПО-ФУД" | Unique | Active | 47.11 |
III. Operational Profiles: Analysis of Import Capacity (KVED Focused)
A. Mapping Primary Economic Activities (KVED) to Import Functionality
- Specialized Wholesalers (KVED 46.31): Firms like Tov "Tavrust" are the strongest indicator of direct, professional import and distribution capability for perishable agricultural products.
- Intermediaries and Brokers (KVED 46.19): Tzov Tradekom Zakhid adopts an intermediary model, facilitating transactions rather than directly holding inventory or managing complex cold chains.
- Large Retail/End-User Importers (KVED 47.11): Tov Silpo Food conducts vertically integrated import activity to supply its own stores as part of a national retail group.
Table 2: Operational Profile and 2018 Import Capability Assessment
| Company Name | KVED Code | Operational Archetype | Location (Geo SEO Anchor) | Inferred 2018 Import Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tov "Tavrust" | 46.31 | Specialized Wholesaler | Zaporizhzhia | High (Direct Import Focused) |
| Tzov Tradekom Zakhid | 46.19 | Broker/Intermediary | Lviv | Medium (Niche facilitation) |
| Tov Silpo Food | 47.11 | Integrated Retailer/End-User | National (Kyiv) | High (Driven by Retail Demand) |
IV. Macroeconomic Context: The Ukrainian Niche Fruit and Nut Market
Despite Ukraine's robust walnut exports, **chestnut imports** reflect the market's need to fill specific requirements and a consumer base willing to pay a premium for imported varieties. The total **Fruits and Nuts** group exceeded $835 million USD in value by 2021, confirming a healthy market demand.
Table 3: Contextualizing Ukraine Fruit and Nut Import Market Dynamics
| Import Category | 2021 Market Value | Primary Supply Countries (2021) | Strategic Relevance to Chestnut Import |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Fruit and Nut Imports | $835 Million | Turkey (26.9%), Ecuador (15.0%) | Confirms market robustness and growth supporting 2018 activities. |
| Exotic/Niche Fruit Share | >25% (of 2021 fruit value) | N/A | Indicates the growing niche that chestnuts fit into. |
| Domestic Walnut Production | 113.4 Thousand Tons (2020) | Ukraine (Major Global Exporter) | Chestnut import complements, does not compete with, domestic nut trade. |
C. Primary Supply Regions and Chestnut Supply Chain Implications (Geo Focus)
Given Turkey's overall dominance in Ukraine's fruit/nut imports and its strength in global chestnut supply, the 2018 chestnut imports were most likely executed via Turkish supply chains. This geographical alignment is a key strategic consideration for suppliers.
V. Detailed Importer Profiles and Strategic Analysis (Archetype Focused)
Profile 1: Direct Specialized Wholesalers (Example: Tov "Tavrust" - Zaporizhzhia)
High specialization confirmed by KVED 46.31. Focuses on direct cold chain management and B2B sales to secondary distributors or food processors. **Zaporizhzhia location** ensures logistical efficiency, especially for Southern (Turkish) imports. Vulnerable to seasonality but offers high quality control.
Profile 2: Intermediaries and Brokers (Example: Tzov Tradekom Zakhid - Lviv)
Focuses on KVED 46.19 (Intermediation). Facilitates trade rather than absorbing direct physical import risk. **Lviv location** suggests handling transactions from Western trade corridors (EU supply). High flexibility but relies heavily on the quality of external B2B networks.
Profile 3: Large Retail/End-User Importers (Example: Tov Silpo Food)
Powerful, vertically integrated retailer with KVED 47.11. Imports to secure supply and control margins across its national network. Low counterparty risk due to corporate size and diversification. Import volumes are driven entirely by retail consumer demand.
VI. Conclusions and Strategic Recommendations
Probability Assessment of Key 2018 Import Activity: The entities with the highest probability of being high-volume chestnut importers in 2018 are Tov "Tavrust" (specialized direct wholesaler) and Tov Silpo Food (integrated end-user).
Recommendations for Counterparty Risk Management (E-A-T Application)
- Priority Strategy: Prioritize engagement with entities showing high vertical integration (Silpo Food) or deep, specialized trade focus (Tavrust) to minimize operational risks.
- Logistics and Supply Channels (Geo Focus): The analysis suggests that Ukrainian importers were likely focused on **Turkey** for chestnut supply. Suppliers should structure contracts considering this strong logistical and geographical alignment.
- Due Diligence Requirement: It is mandatory to request 2018 customs data (HS Code 080240 for fresh or dried chestnuts) for active counterparties to definitively verify volume scale.