*4.2. Raw Material Processing and Refining*

Overall, the impact of COVID-19 has not been negative due to increased demand for consumer products, while the introduction of new component product lines has been delayed.

Due to the continuity of production processes during COVID-19, the employees of the conversion and formulation units (manufacturing and technical staff) have been working as usual, while the employees of the R&D department worked remotely. Therefore, the development and introduction of new products to the market was delayed and took longer than previously.

The consumption of organic and plant products has grown very rapidly over the past year; for example, the German market has grown by about 20% (it was 6–8% in previous years), and the Scandinavian market has grown by 30–40%. It has been pointed out that this is a huge challenge for supply chains and a risk for suppliers of organic raw materials, as there are companies that are starting to replace growing demand with imported organic

raw materials. However, it is becoming increasingly important for the consumers that the product is locally sourced and otherwise organic rather than using organic imports.

*"Maybe in some extent, we are much prepared for pandemic time and new customer trends—healthy, natural, and with traceable or local materials than other entrepreneurs that are currently dependent on limited supplies of specific materials"*

(an interviewee—I8)
