With the technical support provided by the AGRI CAMP Program, private entrepreneur Samvel Hakobyan managed to equip his new refrigeration storage. As a result, approximately 20 tons of dried persimmon and 5 tons of fresh pomegranate was stored in the refrigeration unit as of March 31, 2022, ready for export.

In addition to the production of dried fruits, the company is also engaged in the procurement and sale of fresh fruits (apricots, fig, persimmon, and pomegranate) in local and foreign markets. Samvel Hakobyan Private Entrepreneurship, registered in 2008, is located in the southernmost point of Armenia, in the town of Meghri, Syunik region, which is famous for its favorable climatic conditions and delicious fruits. The company’s products are distinguished by good taste and high-quality features and are in great demand among consumers.

One of the company’s refrigeration facilities is located in Yerevan, where fruits transported from Meghri and subject to export are stored during the season, before being transferred to the terminal. In order to expand the business, in 2021, the company acquired another area for a new refrigeration storage in the village of Zovuni, Yeghvard community, Kotayk region.

With the co-financing from the AGRI CAMP Program, the new refrigeration facility was upgraded and equipped, enabling the purchase of larger quantities of fruit and the production and export of various types of dried fruits. In addition to fig and persimmon, the company also plans to dry plum, peach, pear, apple, etc. Sales of dried and fresh fruits are expected to increase by about 30% in the fall of 2022 compared to the fall of 2021.

With the launch of the refrigeration storage in Yeghvard community, new jobs were created. In addition, farmers from Kotayk region can now also use the refrigerator.

It should be noted that in 2018, the dried fruit factory of the company received organic processing certificate, but so far it has not been put in use, due to lack of enough volume of raw materials. The use of the new refrigeration facility enables the company to start production of organic dried fruits as well.

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The USAID-funded AGRI CAMP Program provides technical assistance and limited co-investments to the most active and successful cooperative members and SMEs/farmers to support the implementation of economic stimulus programs of the Government of Armenia.