Each season differs from the previous one. Market changes require quick adaptation. 2010 summer season was rich for events for "Rud’." The President of our company, Petro Volodymyrovych Rud’, claims that the result of the enterprise work depends on a joint work of the company, our partners - suppliers and distribution companies. The main thing is that the whole team is working for the common result.

What, in your estimation, is the volume of the ice cream market in Ukraine? In which direction is this market developing?

In recent years Ukraine has seen the consolidation of industry. Leading companies are expanding their facilities and the sphere of influence by both installing new production lines and purchasing existing refrigerating factories. It enables them not only to increase the production but also to expand their activities into new regions, as well as to reduce logistics costs and others. For the last three years there have been some changes in the Ukrainian ice cream production figures: in 2009 the total volume of ice cream in the whole industry decreased by 23,6 tons in relation to "peak" of the industry development in 2007, when the production reached 131,2 thousand tons. In 2009 the ice cream market increased to 107,6 thousand tons. However, the PJSC "Zhytomyr butter factory" substantially increased its volumes of production and is one of the few representatives of industry, whose range of production corresponds to these characteristics. The analysis of trends and prospects for the further development of Ukrainian ice cream market allows to make a conclusion that on condition of implementing  adequate strategic policy measures this market share may become one of the most prospective in the food and processing industry.

I also want to note that in addition to leading positions in the ice cream market, we belong to the top five major players in the market of packaged butter. Our diary products are the undisputed leader in sales in Zhytomyr region. In addition, sales volumes of other assortment groups of “Rud’ ” trade-mark are constantly increasing.

Company “Rud’" is constantly increasing its sales volumes. In retail outlets consumers can see new foodstuffs produced under the trademark "Rud’." Please, tell us what new products, in your opinion, were "selling hits" this year?

Every new season, our customers expect ice cream novelties and other products. This year, specialists of the company have offered our customers a wide assortment of ice-cream novelties. I would like to point out that all ice cream novelties of this year "fitted" the market. It is a wonderful result of our entire team! For example, "Toffee" cone has become the sales leader this year - it was nice to see a real "boom" among Ukrainian consumers about this product. I can give a positive assessment of other ice-cream novelties of this season: the sales volumes prove that our experts have selected the right tastes and strategies to promote new products. Special attention was paid to promotion of "Plombir No.1" ice cream.

It should be noted that an average Ukrainian consumes a little more than 2,5 kg of ice-cream per year, while an American consumes over 17 kg! We work hard for the development of culture of ice cream consumption. Our main goal at all times has been  the quality of our products. All the ingredients used in manufactured products are listed on our packaging. Each consumer can call a free hotline indicated on the packaging and get the information about the product composers.

Every successful company has a certain development strategy. Tell us about your plans, your expectations as to the expansion of production.

We really have a lot of plans, it is true. Right now our specialists choose a new technological line that will be commissioned soon, so we shall really need new employees. I want to mention that our specialists can always improve their skills at trainings, business seminars and trade conferences. As a member of the Regional Council I always support measures for creation of new job places in Zhytomyr region. Indeed, new jobs mean a social-economic development of the region, a development of market infrastructure.

It is interesting to know what ice cream you personally like best? As the leader of the greatest ice-cream manufacturing factory in Ukraine, you must know the process of  production to the slightest details.

Our range of ice cream is so wide that it caters for demanding needs of the buyers of our products. I have been fond of ice-cream since my childhood and now I always taste all the novelties that appear on the market. This refers not only to ice cream, but also to other products of the company. As for ice cream, my favorite is "Plombir No. 1".

A strong team spirit is a key to future success of each company. Please, tell us how you manage to consolidate your team for achieving such results?

The company created the appropriate conditions for its workers: the modern repair has been made in all departments and divisions, the air conditioning has been installed, and the data processing and storing system has been improved and computerized. Each worker can enjoy fresh water, that is purified and filtered directly at the factory. In the canteen there is always delicious food at democratic prices. Our company is striving for a healthy lifestyle, because good health is a foundation of all life victories! Several years in a row the representatives of our company, who show good results in their work, receive free tours to the best holiday resorts in Turkey.

I personally did in the past and shall always respect all employees, regardless of their position: a top manager or just a worker. One should appreciate the people’s intention to self-development, appraise their competence and honesty in work, respect people as professionals and individualities. Problems do always exist, you must identify them and then solve.

This ability can be useful in modern conditions. The main thing is to remember that we are one team, one family capable to overcome difficulties and get excellent results. I believe that nothing is impossible, just set goals and achieve them together with the team!

I’d like to know if you, as the Chief of the company that has national status and a member of Zhytomyr Regional Council, have free time for hobby? What are your hobbies?

I am very short of time, but sometimes can find a moment to go in for sports: swimming, biking, skiing allow me not only to be in good shape but also to maintain competitive spirit. Besides, from time to time I try to go for a walk in the forest and strongly advise everyone to do the same.

I am fond of spending my free time with my granddaughters - Nastia and Sofia. It gives  so much positive energy and love that it is hard to describe. Children and grandchildren are  the inspiration for future achievements of each person, it  is an opportunity to find something new in our own souls.