Ukraine to build first durum wheat mill with UAH 1 billion investment

Zakhidnyi Buh, an agricultural company operating in western Ukraine, has begun constructing the country’s first mill dedicated exclusively to processing durum wheat. The launch is scheduled for October 2025, with an estimated investment of UAH 1 billion, according to project manager Volodymyr Boichuk in an interview with Latifundist.com.

The company's ambition is to become a "second Barilla" by producing pasta of comparable quality to the iconic Italian brand, which uses only 100% durum wheat in its products.

Zakhidnyi Buh made the strategic decision to vertically integrate its operations back in 2019 by processing its own grain. Although the necessary equipment was delivered in early 2022, the project was put on hold due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Construction resumed in 2024.

The pasta production facility is set to begin operations in September, followed by the launch of the mill in October.

Initially, the plan was to process both soft and durum wheat at the same facility. However, in late 2024, the company pivoted and acquired specialized equipment exclusively for durum wheat milling. "This will be the first mill of its kind in Ukraine," Boichuk noted.

He explained that processing durum wheat using standard wheat mills is inefficient, yielding only 15–20% of high-quality semolina. In contrast, a dedicated durum mill can extract up to 72% of high-grade semolina — the primary ingredient in premium pasta.

Additionally, waste output at the specialized mill is significantly lower — just 8–10%, compared to up to 50% of low-value by-product at conventional mills.

In its initial phase, the mill will process 80 tons of durum wheat per day. To ensure a stable supply of raw materials, Zakhidnyi Buh is launching a contract farming program. The company will provide partner farmers with seeds, modern technology, and agronomic support.

Most of the resulting flour will be exported to European markets, where demand for durum-based products remains consistently strong. The remainder will supply the domestic market for premium pasta production.