The one who invests sets the direction: the farmer as the key driver of the agri-market, with VILIYA as a reliable partner.
Just a few years ago, VILIA Group’s agri-inputs trading division was viewed as a strong regional player in western Ukraine. Today, that regional label belongs firmly in the past. Growth dynamics, expanding volumes, and rising market rankings have reshaped not only the scale of the business, but also VILIYA’s role within the agri-inputs market.
In 2025, the Group’s agri-inputs distribution segment achieved 60% year-on-year growth. Fertilizer volumes approached 100,000 tonnes, crop protection products reached 1 million liters, and micronutrients totaled approximately 800,000 liters/kilograms. VILIYA also significantly expanded its presence in the Ukrainian seed market. Yet beyond these figures lies a deeper story — one of strategy, partnership, and long-term value creation.
From Railcars to Vessels
Until 2022, the company had virtually no proprietary import operations. Today, imports have become a fully fledged business line, tripling in scale within just one year. Market perception has shifted accordingly: VILIYA Group is no longer associated with a “local” distributor.
This growth came at a cost. The team worked without weekends or holidays, remaining available 24/7 — because the market does not wait. That level of commitment is precisely what delivered results.
The Farmer Is Not Just Buying — The Farmer Is Managing
Over recent years, the agri-market has changed fundamentally, as has the profile of the farmer.
“Even small farmers today think like business owners. They calculate margins, compare options, and analyze risks. In some cases, a mid-sized farmer can negotiate better terms than a large holding,” explains Liliya.
Today’s market is highly competitive. And success does not belong to those who offer the lowest price, but to those who ensure stability. Farmers want peace of mind: confidence that deliveries will arrive on time, that force majeure will not be used as an excuse, and that agreements will not collapse with the next news cycle.
“Price alone does not decide everything. Farmers are willing to pay more for reliability, guarantees, and transparent, flexible financial instruments — because capital has a cost,” the Head of the Department emphasizes. Deferred payments, tailored terms, and clear rules of engagement are now as strong a competitive advantage as pricing itself.From Railcars to Vessels
Until 2022, the company had virtually no proprietary import operations. Today, imports have become a fully fledged business line, tripling in scale within just one year. Market perception has shifted accordingly: VILIYA Group is no longer associated with a “local” distributor.
This growth came at a cost. The team worked without weekends or holidays, remaining available 24/7 — because the market does not wait. That level of commitment is precisely what delivered results.
The Farmer Is Not Just Buying — The Farmer Is Managing
Over recent years, the agri-market has changed fundamentally, as has the profile of the farmer.
“Even small farmers today think like business owners. They calculate margins, compare options, and analyze risks. In some cases, a mid-sized farmer can negotiate better terms than a large holding,” explains Liliya.
Today’s market is highly competitive. And success does not belong to those who offer the lowest price, but to those who ensure stability. Farmers want peace of mind: confidence that deliveries will arrive on time, that force majeure will not be used as an excuse, and that agreements will not collapse with the next news cycle.
“Price alone does not decide everything. Farmers are willing to pay more for reliability, guarantees, and transparent, flexible financial instruments — because capital has a cost,” the Head of the Department emphasizes. Deferred payments, tailored terms, and clear rules of engagement are now as strong a competitive advantage as pricing itself.
Not Short-Term Sales, but Long-Term Partnerships
The agri-inputs trading department of VILIYA Group deliberately avoids manipulative sales tactics. Bundling schemes such as “buy cheaper, but only with additional products” are considered short-term thinking.
“These tactics do not work. Farmers do not trust them,” says Liliya.
The team’s philosophy is to play the long game. If the timing is not right to purchase, they say so openly. If a price is advantageous, they explain why and recommend acting.
“A reliable supplier is not the one who wants to sell immediately. We share information transparently because we want partners to return,” she adds.
The principle is simple: say what you will do — and do it. Partnership is a two-way commitment.
No Division Between Large and Small Clients
VILIYA has long abandoned segmentation by scale. There is only one criterion: partnership.
“For us, a client is not just a client — it is a partner. We are ready to adapt to their needs, learn from them, and compete for their trust until the very end,” Liliya stresses.
In today’s agri-market, the one who invests sets the terms. The farmer defines the cooperation model and the level of service expected. Suppliers no longer have the luxury of forcing rigid frameworks onto their partners.
Intuition, Responsibility, and a Strong Sense of Empathy
Liliya Shumska’s management decisions are driven not only by data, but also by intuition.
“I can wake up in the morning with a clear feeling that today is the right moment to procure a specific product,” she admits.
This intuition is reinforced by constant market communication and a team skilled in understanding people. In sales, trust, emotional intelligence, and seeing the farmer as a person — not just a contract — matter as much as price.
2026: Less Risk, More Resilience
Planning for 2026 is not about aggressive expansion, but about balanced, well-considered decisions. The core principle is risk diversification. When uncertainty exists, it is better to secure half the volume than to commit everything to a single option.
In today’s agri-market, winners are not those who speak the loudest, but those who listen to their partners — and keep their word.
Not Short-Term Sales, but Long-Term Partnerships
The agri-inputs trading department of VILIYA Group deliberately avoids manipulative sales tactics. Bundling schemes such as “buy cheaper, but only with additional products” are considered short-term thinking.
“These tactics do not work. Farmers do not trust them,” says Liliya.
The team’s philosophy is to play the long game. If the timing is not right to purchase, they say so openly. If a price is advantageous, they explain why and recommend acting.
“A reliable supplier is not the one who wants to sell immediately. We share information transparently because we want partners to return,” she adds.
The principle is simple: say what you will do — and do it. Partnership is a two-way commitment.
No Division Between Large and Small Clients
VILIYA has long abandoned segmentation by scale. There is only one criterion: partnership.
“For us, a client is not just a client — it is a partner. We are ready to adapt to their needs, learn from them, and compete for their trust until the very end,” Liliya stresses.
In today’s agri-market, the one who invests sets the terms. The farmer defines the cooperation model and the level of service expected. Suppliers no longer have the luxury of forcing rigid frameworks onto their partners.
Intuition, Responsibility, and a Strong Sense of Empathy
Liliya Shumska’s management decisions are driven not only by data, but also by intuition.
“I can wake up in the morning with a clear feeling that today is the right moment to procure a specific product,” she admits.
This intuition is reinforced by constant market communication and a team skilled in understanding people. In sales, trust, emotional intelligence, and seeing the farmer as a person — not just a contract — matter as much as price.
2026: Less Risk, More Resilience
Planning for 2026 is not about aggressive expansion, but about balanced, well-considered decisions. The core principle is risk diversification. When uncertainty exists, it is better to secure half the volume than to commit everything to a single option.
In today’s agri-market, winners are not those who speak the loudest, but those who listen to their partners — and keep their word.
