Nemiroff
09/2025: In just a short time, Nemiroff has grown into one of the world’s leading vodka brands. The manufacturer – LVN Limited LLC – has its headquarters, production line and bottling plant located entirely in Ukraine – and even though times are difficult, the company is still expanding. One key factor in this success story: high-quality, innovative glass packaging from Vetropack.
Vodka can look back on a long tradition in Ukraine (where it is known as ‘horilka’). The first mention of ‘horilka’ from the city of Nemyriv dates back to 1752 – and since 1872, the distillery there has evolved into an address that is renowned throughout Europe. It was one of the first distilleries to produce vodka from wheat instead of potatoes. Since then, Nemiroff has become a leading vodka producer with a global presence, thanks not least to innovative creations such as ‘Nemiroff Honey with Pepper’ – a variety that was first introduced back in 1998. Nemiroff regularly wins awards in international competitions with its portfolio of over 60 different products. For some years now, these have included premium vodkas manufactured with sophisticated filtration processes. The company is also a major sponsor of sporting events, music and film festivals, and social projects.
A strong partnership – even in difficult times
The Vetropack plant at Hostomel in the Kyiv region numbers among Nemiroff’s largest suppliers, and it currently provides around 15 million glass bottles each year for the distillery’s production. Throughout their lengthy collaboration, the two companies have supported one another in difficult times and celebrated many joint successes. However, the biggest challenge has been the war in Ukraine – and, in particular, the damage inflicted on the glassworks during the attack on Hostomel. Nemiroff not only honoured its contractual obligations in this critical phase, but also provided active support for Vetropack Gostomel by placing extensive orders for bottles once the first furnace was recommissioned in 2023. Nemiroff even went one step further by buying up all the remaining stocks from pre-war production – a decisive contribution that enabled Vetropack to resume operations more quickly.
«Vetropack is not only our supplier, but also a strategic partner who has always supported us. Together, we face challenges, seek out innovative solutions, and continue developing the market.»
Delivery volumes were significantly higher before the war, when Vetropack Gostomel produced glass packaging for all of Nemiroff’s price segments. Nevertheless, the partners view today‘s volume of 15 million bottles as a new starting point – with further growth envisioned in the future. Vetropack currently supplies Nemiroff with three different types of glass packaging: a lightweight glass bottle with an unusual flat shape, the glass containers for Nemiroff’s ‘The Originals’ product line, and other bottles for its premium ‘De Luxe’ series. Both the range of bottles and the delivery volumes are set to continue growing as production capacity expands.
Irina Shramko, Head of the Operational Planning and Purchasing Department at Nemiroff, emphasises: ‘Vetropack is not only our supplier, but also a strategic partner who has always supported us. Together, we face challenges, seek out innovative solutions, and continue developing the market. Our mutual understanding and our shared values are the keys to success.’
Successful redesign: on course for growth
One of the milestones in the two companies’ collaboration was the redesign of Nemiroff’s ‘The Originals’ bottle in 2020. They faced a challenge when introducing a completely new bottle shape, with significant differences in size and design from the previous version. ‘Vetropack was the only glass manufacturer who dared to take on the task of implementing a bold design that called for an unconventional approach. The experts at Vetropack Gostomel proved that they are true masters of their trade by turning our ideas into reality,’ Irina Shramko recalls.
Engineers and designers from Vetropack and Nemiroff spent months working closely together to harmonise all the elements of the packaging and adapt the concept to the production conditions. At the same time, Nemiroff modernised its bottling lines to adapt them to the new design. The outcome of these joint efforts was the completely redesigned bottle that eventually rolled off the production line at Vetropack Gostomel. The surface of the bottle’s base section, with its four contour grooves, is neither square nor completely round; it is continued by a narrower central section with a stylish recess for the embossing. The upper section matches the shape of the bottle’s base, and is topped off by a distinctive finish.
This innovative product quickly found favour with consumers and became a core component of Nemiroff’s brand identity. ‘Many were sceptical – and even within our company, the force of habit was evident. But despite all the doubts, our new product became a success. Consumers not only took notice of the new bottle – they also found it easier to handle and more attractive in terms of design,’ Shramko reports.
Innovative glass packaging strengthens the brand essence
Nemiroff regards Vetropack’s glass packaging as an important element of its business strategy, because the company is founded on one core principle: quality in every area – not least in the packaging of the products. ‘We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for quality and food safety, and to complying with national and international regulations – at every stage of production, from selecting the raw materials all the way through to delivery to the end consumer.’ But the collaboration between Vetropack and Nemiroff is not limited to the supply of glass packaging. The companies also join forces to work on new projects, innovative solutions and social initiatives. Despite the challenges confronting the industry, the partners are looking to the future with optimism. Final words from Irina Shramko: ‘Even though the environment continues to be challenging, we are putting our faith in Vetropack – and we know that many ambitious plans lie ahead of us. For us, the Hostomel plant isn’t just a reliable supplier: it’s an essential element of our success story.’
