Confectionery industry of Ukraine – modern challenges

Introduction. In the current conditions, the confectionery industry faces challenges: constant growth of competition, variability of global trends, unstable economic and political situation in Ukraine and the whole world, loss of territories, enterprises and forced migration of the population due to military operations in the country, change in exchange rates, change in consumer priorities (decrease in overall purchasing power). Therefore, the most important issue for the confectionery industry is the issue of adaptation to changing conditions. The purpose of the paper is an attempt to analyze the main factors influencing the efficiency of the food industry, which will help to better understand the prospects for the further development of confectionery enterprises. Results. Sugar production and wheat flour production by regions of Ukraine for 2013-2024 are considered in comparison with operating plants. The indicators of the sugar industry were analyzed: sugar beet harvest (area, yield, yield), sugar production (production, consumption, export, import) in 2013-2024. The market of the sugar and flour milling industries was studied. The economic indicators of the main sugar and flour producers were analyzed. The influence of the average monthly price of flour and sugar on the production of confectionery products was established. The influence of the price of raw materials, seasonality, climatic conditions on the cost of confectionery products was substantiated. The influence of seasonality on the volume of production was considered. It was proposed to continue observations and research on the factors influencing the confectionery industry and to develop a model of operational planning of the production and economic activities of an industrial enterprise. Conclusion. Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: that fluctuations in raw material prices depend on: the harvest (last and next year); the quality and volume of the harvested crop; climatic conditions; fluctuations in the world market for raw materials, exchange rates; political conditions. It can also be argued that production volumes are affected by seasonality and holidays in Ukraine. Therefore, it is important to propose a model of operational planning of production and economic activities of an industrial enterprise to reduce the impact of the above factors.