Transformation of the Ecological Food Market in Chernihiv (Ukraine) in the Context of the Implementation of EU Ecological Certification and Labeling Standards

Oleksandr Lukash; Denis Maletsky

doi:10.71366/ijwos03032609925

Authors

Oleksandr Lukash Professor of the Department of Ecology, , H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium»
Author
Denis Maletsky Student of the Department of Ecology, Ge, T.H. Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”
Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71366/ijwos03032609925

Keywords:

ecological certification, food labeling, EU Regulations, Organic, European integration, Chernihiv retail chains, food safety, field audit, economic segregation of consumers, accessibility of eco-products, legislative harmonization, "Euro-leaf", sustainabl

Abstract

The article examines the multifaceted legal and practical dimensions of the ecological food market in Chernihiv through the strategic lens of implementing EU ecological certification and labeling standards. The research evaluates the effectiveness of Ukraine's legislative harmonization with EU Regulations (EC) No. 178/2002 and (EU) 2018/848 within the local retail environment. Methodology is based on the author's comprehensive field audit (shelf audit) of major retail chains (Silpo, ATB, Soyuz, Velmart) conducted from October 2025 to February 2026.
The study reveals a profound structural disparity in the availability of certified products for city residents. While premium-oriented retailers like "Silpo" function as organic hubs, offering a diverse range of domestic and imported eco-labeled goods, discount networks demonstrate a minimalist approach, restricting organic options primarily to the infant nutrition category. A critical causal dependence of the ecological product assortment on the retailer's business model was identified, confirming that current market dynamics lead to the economic segregation of consumers. The research highlights that the "Euro-leaf" and "Organic Ukraine" labels currently serve as markers of social status rather than universal safety standards. In conclusion, systemic recommendations are formulated for democratizing access to safe and ecological nutrition in the border region, emphasizing the need for municipal support of local organic producers and the integration of certified goods into the private label lines of discount retailers.