Two new “Sweet House” production units were opened in the Areni community, specializing in the production of dried fruits, sweets, and preserves. The official opening ceremony in Vayots Dzor’s Areni community was attended by Anna Gyurjyan, UNDP’s Socio-Economic Development Portfolio Manager; Ekaterina Ivanova, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Russian Federation; Arman Valesyan, Programme Manager of the “Sustainable Communities” initiative; Arsen Khachatryan, Deputy Governor of Vayots Dzor; Husik Sahakyan, Acting Head of the Areni Community; and other official guests.

As part of the “Sweet House” initiative, beneficiaries Narine Kyureghyan and Sonik Haryapetyan received agricultural processing equipment and stainless-steel tools necessary for organizing production, including drying nets, an electric dryer, a cooking pot, and an autoclave. The initiative also provided training sessions and consultations. Both Narine and Sonik participated in the “Chir-Chir” programme, through which they received professional knowledge in fruit drying techniques.

Thanks to the new equipment, both Narine and Sonik have been able to increase their production volumes and create new fruit-based sweets. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests toured the two production units, learned about the production processes, spoke with the beneficiaries, and tasted the sweets produced at the sites.

The UNDP “Sweet House” initiative, implemented under the “Sustainable Communities” programme, was launched in 2022 with the aim of supporting small businesses in rural areas—particularly in the production of sweets based on honey, fruits, and vegetables.