Beneficiaries of the “Sweet House” project under the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme are forging new paths for cooperation. At “Stepanyan’s Gastro Yard,” which was selected as part of the “Gastro Yard” project, beneficiaries from different years of the “Sweet House” project gathered under one roof to get acquainted and discuss potential collaborations. The “Sweet House” project focuses on three main directions: the production of honey, dried fruits, and preserves.

“This was an important meeting because we managed to bring together all the project’s beneficiaries in one place and, most importantly, introduce them to one another. Since the project has three key directions, beneficiaries can source raw materials from each other. For instance, those involved in dried fruit production can purchase honey from beneficiaries engaged in beekeeping. This supply chain allows us to ensure high product quality, as all production facilities within the project undergo strict quality control,” said Lusine Balayan, a UNDP expert.

Beneficiaries of the “Sweet House” project are also experimenting with new products. Beekeepers are testing the production of cream honey using equipment provided by UNDP, while dried fruit producers are exploring innovative combinations of dried fruit and chocolate. The “Sweet House” project within the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme aims to evolve into a new tourism destination, much like the “Gastro Yard.” To support this vision, beneficiaries were introduced to “Stepanyan’s Gastro Yard,” where founder Hayk Stepanyan and UNDP expert Lusine Balayan shared insights into the concept, foundation, and development of the “Gastro Yard.”