On 10 July, participants of the InteRussia Journalism Fellowship visited EFKO, where they met with Sergei Ivanov, Executive Director and member of the company's Board, as well as members of the Management Board.
EFKO is a Russian food technology company operating at the intersection of the food industry and biotechnology. Alongside producing food products, the company develops alternative proteins, invests in food technologies, and explores new approaches to sustainable nutrition.
The meeting introduced participants to EFKO's approach to innovation, international cooperation, and corporate leadership. Particular attention was given to the values that underpin the company's long-term strategy and its vision for technological development.
Among the topics discussed were:
• the role of empathy as a key principle of effective leadership and decision-making;
• the African philosophy of Ubuntu — *"I am because we are"* — and its influence on EFKO's management culture and approach to international partnerships;
• the company's projects in African countries and opportunities for expanding cooperation across the continent;
• current developments in biotechnology, alternative proteins, and sustainable food production;
• the role of technological innovation in addressing global food security and nutrition challenges.
Following the discussion, participants toured the company's facilities and had the opportunity to taste one of EFKO's best-known developments — sugar-free sweets made with sweet protein. The tasting offered a practical introduction to one of the company's flagship innovations and demonstrated how biotechnology is already being applied to create new food products.
The visit gave fellows an opportunity to engage directly with representatives of one of Russia's most innovative companies, gain insight into current trends in the food technology sector, and discuss the role of business in addressing global technological and social challenges.
The programme is implemented by Mezhdunarodniki Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation together with the Gorchakov Fund and the International Information Agency and Radio Sputnik as part of the SputnikPro programme. The fellowship is held within Rossotrudnichestvo's flagship New Generation programme with grant support from the Presidential Grants Foundation.