A Spicy Business in a New Format: Why Package Adjika in Sticks

19 August 2026, 05:48 2186

Ivan Marakhonko, a displaced person from Donetsk region who is now serving in the military, relocated to Kyiv region back in 2018 due to active hostilities in his home region. It was then that he became interested in producing original adjika.

While still living in Donetsk region, the producer received a grant from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which marked the beginning of his craft business.

Ivan Marakhonko, producer of craft adjika and fermented hot sauces

The adjika we produce can be described as Georgian adjika. We did not specifically emphasize this, but most customers who bought it from us noted that it was classic adjika made according to Georgian traditions. Even before 2018, I studied the history of adjika and how it was produced specifically in Georgia, learned the original recipe, and became interested in it.

The grant made it possible to purchase the first equipment for producing adjika at home. Market research was conducted, the first sample was produced, and its taste, appearance and price were evaluated. To ensure the correct recipe, it still needed further refinement. There were limited opportunities at the time, as the producers were in the process of moving to Kyiv, so the adjika was made in batches until the ideal production technology was perfected.

«We personally tested the quality of the adjika and found that even after two years in a glass jar, the product does not spoil and retains its properties. One of the key features of our adjika production is the use of fresh chili peppers, which are pasteurized, while the finished product is vacuum-sealed. As a result, the freshness is preserved, and when the jar is opened, you can smell freshly made, aromatic adjika,» says Ivan Marakhonko.

The original recipe for the craft adjika contains only chili peppers, garlic and spices that convey the taste of the authentic product. The adjika is mild yet slightly hot, like chili pepper. The producer managed to perfect the technology so that consumers first taste the pepper and spices, followed by the heat, which fades after a few minutes.

The first sales were made among friends and acquaintances, while the products were also sold through social media and online marketplaces. The craft adjika even found customers abroad. The producer also arranged to supply a batch to one of the local stores in Kharkiv. The coronavirus pandemic somewhat halted production, and then the full-scale war began.

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Ivan Marakhonko, producer of craft adjika and fermented hot sauces

After seeing information on AgroPortal.ua about the opportunity to receive grant funding for the development of a craft business, we decided to participate in the project. We improved the recipe and, in our opinion, perfected it. In addition, we started producing fermented sauces, but for now we are not placing much emphasis on them, because it is impossible to cover everything at once. Today, we can open a professional production facility thanks to the grant we hope to receive as part of the CraftUp Ukraine project.

The craft producer is considering renting a production facility. They have developed their own website and created social media pages to promote their products and find partners. They also plan to package adjika not only in 100 ml glass jars but also in sticks, and therefore want to cooperate with packaging companies. This format will allow them to reach a larger number of consumers with a more convenient product format. They plan to launch official production in the autumn of this year. There is still time to think about the brand: it does not yet have a name, but a label has already been developed.

«At the moment, we cannot ensure large-scale production of craft adjika because we make our products, so to speak, at home. Launching an official business will allow us to produce more, find potential wholesale buyers and partners. Packaging adjika in sticks will also give customers more options, as the price per unit will be lower due to the packaging and weight. In addition, it is a tool for advertising and introducing consumers to a product that is new to them. Customers will be able to taste the adjika and decide whether they want to buy more in the future,» says Ivan Marakhonko.

Many online marketplaces sell adjika or hot sauces imported from abroad. At present, they are not being imported, so the craft producer wants to enter the market and become known as a producer of high-quality original adjika.

The raw materials for the very first batches of products were purchased at the market. However, since craft production must be traceable, the producer hopes to enter the market and cooperate with local farmers, as well as with those who work with foreign suppliers of chili peppers during the off-season. As for spices, Ivan Marakhonko believes there will be no problems with traceability either. Many herbs and spices are already grown in Ukraine, so it should be possible to find suppliers on the domestic market, while the traditional Georgian spice utskho-suneli, which is not produced in Ukraine, is planned to be imported.

Ivan Marakhonko, producer of craft adjika and fermented hot sauces

At present, we produce adjika to order for private customers and sell it through social media and our website. We also have small stocks. Therefore, there are no consistent production volumes: for example, in spring, we sold an average of 30–40 100 ml jars per month. In summer, demand for adjika declines, despite the fact that this product goes perfectly with grilled meat. There have been no sales over the past 1.5 months.

At present, the craft producer identifies three problems in the adjika business:

Production capacity and outsourced services.The producer expects to reach a production capacity of approximately 2,000 jars of adjika per month. Negotiations have already been held with one buyer who is ready to purchase 400 jars per month.«Large buyers that operate stores are capable of purchasing such a volume of products. In addition, the recipe and production technology for our adjika make it possible to produce sufficient quantities with the help of equipment to meet initial demand even if only one employee is hired. Our experience of producing it in a home kitchen proves this,» explains Ivan Marakhonko.
Another major problem is customers’ inability to purchase large batches of products due to the threat of military action.It is for such buyers that the adjika stick format is being developed, so that customers can order a small quantity to try the product without spending a lot of money.
Another problem is raw materials.This spring, the price of chili peppers remained at around UAH 150/kg, then rose as high as UAH 360/kg and above, with such prices recorded at markets. According to the craft producer, this was due to the chili season coming to an end and supplies being unavailable. In addition, global prices increased, which meant prices in Ukraine also had to rise.

Today, Ivan Marakhonko needs two types of equipment: a packaging machine and equipment for pasteurizing adjika. The total cost depends on the manufacturer and the needs of the business.

«We are currently developing the proper packaging technology, so the equipment may cost UAH 100,000–150,000. Part of the budget is needed to pay for the stick-packaging service. In other words, packaging a batch of adjika into 3,000 sticks, including the packaging material and the packaging service itself, will cost approximately UAH 80,000. Packaging adjika in glass jars is more expensive because of the higher cost of the containers,» notes Ivan Marakhonko.

The producer has developed an ideal recipe and process for producing adjika: raw material processing, particle size control, mixing, pasteurization and packaging. In total, the costs of such production will amount to approximately UAH 180,000–230,000, excluding the permits required to open the business.

For reference: CraftUP Ukraine is an educational and grant project for craft food producers, organized by the online publication AgroPortal.ua with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine. The project consists of several stages. The first was a study of Ukraine’s craft production market, based on the results of which a training programme was developed. Its participants included 40 craft producers from different regions of Ukraine.

Following the educational stage, 10 finalists were selected and are currently preparing for the final presentation of their business projects. In September, they will present them to the Expert Council. At the same time, the CraftUP Ukraine team is introducing the audience to the stories of all the finalists, while the participants themselves are taking part in individual mentoring sessions with industry experts.