The Ukrainian supermarket chain Varus has received the first tranche of a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), amounting to nearly ₴630 million in July. The full loan exceeds ₴1 billion, with the remaining funds expected by the end of the year. The financing is part of a ₴2.2 billion food security initiative.
The funds will be directed toward expanding the Varus retail network, boosting business resilience, and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Plans include installing solar panels, upgrading lighting systems, introducing reversible split air-conditioning units, and improving logistics. These efforts mark the company’s transition toward a green economy in line with the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) approach.
Varus signed the cooperation agreement with the EBRD in March 2024. The financing will strengthen Ukraine’s private sector and ensure stable food supplies in the face of economic and wartime challenges. The company aims not only to expand geographically but also to deploy modern technologies that enhance operational efficiency.
This partnership reflects Varus’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency. By growing its network, the company will improve food accessibility, support local producers, and enhance Ukraine’s logistics infrastructure.
The EBRD applies strict criteria for financing—transparency, accountability, and positive economic impact. Varus meets these standards through its dedicated team and forward-thinking strategy.
This collaboration sends a strong signal not only for Varus but for the entire Ukrainian economy: despite war and geopolitical uncertainty, major international financial institutions continue to invest in Ukrainian companies, expressing confidence in their future through concrete support.
Varus is a national supermarket chain operated by the company Omega. It opened its first store in 2003 in Dnipro and now operates 115 supermarkets across Ukraine, including a DarkStore in Kyiv. The chain includes traditional supermarkets, To Go stores, and the conscious shopping platform Varus.ua.
