Ukraine's Cheese Kingdom chain to halt operations by the end of 2026
Cheese Kingdom, Ukraine's leading specialist cheese retailer, will suspend its stores by year-end citing security risks and war-related challenges.
Lyubov Nikolayeva, co-owner of Cheese Kingdom, confirmed that the specialist cheese chain will suspend its activities by the end of 2026 because of ongoing security threats. Once boasting 84 stores in 2021, the chain fell to 48 outlets by mid-2025 and to 32 by October. Revenue dropped 27.5% in 2025 to UAH27.9 million and the net loss grew to UAH8.3 million after a missile attack on its Kyiv office in June 2025 destroyed key infrastructure.
About 40% of the network operates as franchised stores in relatively safer western regions and will stay open. The decision reflects broader pressures on Ukrainian mid-size businesses, as larger sectors like metallurgy have already suffered major setbacks from Russian attacks.
Why it matters
The closure highlights how Ukraine's ongoing conflict is forcing mid-size retailers to suspend operations, affecting jobs and consumer choice.
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