On September 12, within the framework of the “Conversation with a Practitioner” series, we held a meeting on the topic “How a Craft Producer Can Really Implement HACCP Requirements” with Inesa Petukhova – founder of the ITARA brand – Walnut Workshop.

We work with craft producers every day and understand their challenges well. The biggest one is implementing the HACCP system. It seems overly complicated, and often producers don’t know how to apply it. Yet this directly affects customer trust and product quality. During the meeting, Inesa shared her own path and proved: it is possible to meet all the requirements.

 

From Hobby to Business

Together with her husband, Inesa moved from Mykolaiv to Lviv region during the war. Their business grew out of her husband’s passion for walnuts. They started with household equipment, and already in 2023 took their first steps as entrepreneurs.

In just 10 days, they prepared products, labels, and packaging for a festival in Lviv. The demand for their products gave them the push to grow. At that moment, Inesa first heard about HACCP and realized that without following quality standards, moving forward was impossible.

 

The Path to Safe Production

They began working with a food technologist, tested recipes, and submitted products for analysis to the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (for microbiology, mold, yeast). Identifying weak points, they improved recipes, discussed methods of pasteurization and sterilization, and documented the entire process – from receiving raw materials to delivering the finished product.

Soon it became clear that fairs alone would not be enough for growth. It was time to move into B2B: craft shops, marketplaces, restaurants. This required a new level of responsibility. Even water filtration for washing equipment and raw materials turned out to be crucial.

HACCP documentation was developed, facilities registered, and the company officially became a market operator. For this, they needed proper premises – and the couple decided to build a modular workshop. The project was implemented with grant co-financing: together with a HACCP specialist, they documented all processes and equipped production according to standards.

“Now we are not afraid of either clients or sudden inspections from the State Service. We are confident in our products and processes,” says Inesa.

 

Practical Tips for Craft Producers

During the conversation, Inesa shared her personal experience:

  • which documents are needed for production certification (technical cards, certificates, technical specifications, manufacturer’s declaration);
  • how to define shelf life and which analyses must be carried out;
  • minimum requirements for facilities and where to look for options;
  • how to work with grant programs;
  • which specialists to consult in addition to a HACCP expert.

She also shared practical details: from the cost of transporting a modular facility to the technical requirements that should be considered from the very beginning.

 

Why It’s Worth Implementing HACCP

The meeting once again confirmed: implementing HACCP is not only about complying with legislation. It is confidence in your own production, a guarantee for clients, and a real opportunity for a business to enter new markets.

 

You can watch the recording of the conversation here:
Part 1 – https://youtu.be/-uQJDjq90uM
Part 2 – https://youtu.be/-2tZwmvXDAY

 

We thank Inesa Petukhova for her openness and practical advice, which will help other craft producers move forward.