Up to 7 tons of honey per season and UAH 8 million in revenue: how FrontGift is scaling with the Platform for Social Change
In Shepetivka, in the Khmelnytskyi region, FrontGift produces honey-based desserts, processes up to 5–7 tons of honey per season, and creates thousands of gift sets that are already representing Ukraine abroad. After joining the Platform for Social Change program, the business not only scaled its production but also automated key processes and launched new products thanks to grant support.
For over 10 years, Serhii Hruzdo worked in construction in the Kyiv region. After the full-scale invasion began, he and his wife returned to his hometown of Shepetivka, where they spent six months volunteering. During that time, they were offered the opportunity to lead a social enterprise producing honey-based products, originally founded by veterans.
For the couple, this was a completely new field. They essentially had to rebuild operations from scratch, with most processes done manually — from filling jars of honey to drying fruit snacks, which required constant attention, even at night.
What changed after the Platform for Social Change
A turning point came when they joined the Platform for Social Change program. The training provided not only knowledge in finance, marketing, and business management, but also practical tools for growth.
As a result, the team was able to prepare a strong grant application and secure funding. With this support, they purchased a dosing machine that automated one of the key production processes. Previously, each jar had to be filled manually, which was time-consuming. Now, with a single button, the process is automated.
This upgrade directly improved efficiency — increasing production capacity, reducing manual workload, and ensuring more consistent product quality.
8,000 gift sets and UAH 8 million in annual revenue
Today, FrontGift operates as a scalable business with a clear model.
Each year, the company:
- processes up to 5–7 tons of honey
- produces around 8,000 gift sets
- generates approximately UAH 8 million in revenue
- pays around UAH 400,000–500,000 in taxes
More than 5,500 customers have already placed orders, including around 500 returning clients.
Its products are not only popular in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs purchases FrontGift sets, which are then presented to international partners. The products have also been received by public figures, including the President of Ukraine.
12 employees and support for displaced people
FrontGift has maintained and strengthened its social mission. Today, the team includes 12 employees, most of whom are internally displaced persons.
The business not only creates jobs but also supports people affected by the war. It also runs an initiative called “Sweets for the Armed Forces,” where customers can sponsor products for Ukrainian soldiers. These are then delivered to the front lines through volunteers. Contributions have already exceeded UAH 60,000.
New products and energy efficiency
Following the grant, the business continues to invest in growth. The team has purchased equipment to produce granola and is preparing to launch a new product line.
At the same time, the company is investing in energy independence by installing solar panels to ensure stable operations despite energy disruptions.
A business that shapes local change
The story of FrontGift shows how social entrepreneurship can combine business success with social impact.
In this case, the Platform for Social Change became a key driver of growth — helping structure the business, unlock funding, and move toward scaling.
Today, FrontGift is more than a food production business. It creates jobs, supports displaced people and the military, represents Ukraine internationally, and continues to grow its impact.
