Kernel, Ukraine's largest producer and exporter of sunflower oil, has suspended operations at all its oilseed processing plants following large-scale Russian drone attacks on the country's food processing industry.
The agricultural holding company announced the decision in a statement issued by its press service.
"Over the past several days, Russian drones have deliberately targeted the production facilities of Ukrainian processing companies, including Kernel's assets. The strikes have damaged production buildings, equipment and storage tanks," the company said.
Kernel explained that oilseed extraction involves a continuous industrial process with a heightened fire risk. A direct strike on operating equipment could trigger a large-scale fire and pose an immediate threat to employees' lives.
The company confirmed that all its facilities had completed the required safety shutdown procedures and that employees were in safe conditions.
Kernel has also suspended all purchases of sunflower seeds for processing. Despite the suspension of production, the company stressed that it remains operationally and financially stable. Kernel continues to ship existing product stocks from its warehouses and is fulfilling all previously agreed obligations to Ukrainian farmers and business partners.
The agricultural holding operates eight oilseed extraction plants with a combined annual processing capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of sunflower seeds.
Kernel is also one of Ukraine's largest producers and distributors of bottled sunflower oil. In Ukraine, the company markets its packaged sunflower oil under the Shchedryi Dar, Chumak and Stozhar brands. In Europe, its products are sold under the Bestolie & Kernel brand.
