Sevinj Mammadova, an ABAD-supported artisan, is considered the unofficial ambassador of the delectable Tatar dessert “Chak-Chak” in the Azerbaijani market. Born in Orenburg, Russia, Sevinj moved to Azerbaijan after completing school and graduated from the Pedagogical University. Her husband, Vitaliy Trofimenko, was born in Sumgait, studied in Ukraine, and graduated from the Azerbaijan Oil Academy. The couple has two children.

Five years ago, Sevinj’s husband was gifted chak-chak, a traditional Tatar sweet, which the family loved. Unable to find it in local stores, Sevinj proposed making it herself: “I told my husband, ‘Get me good honey, and I’ll make chak-chak for you.’ He agreed, and my chak-chak turned out wonderfully!” Using only natural ingredients like flour, eggs, and honey, she perfected the recipe. This sparked the idea to produce chak-chak commercially.

Before scaling up, the family rigorously tested their product, experimenting with additives like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts, with friends and relatives serving as tasters. However, the high investment required for mass production nearly deterred them. Sevinj recalls:

“A year ago, we learned about ABAD and presented our product at their office. That same day, they offered us a partnership. They provided a production facility, necessary equipment, support for quality certifications, and designed branded packaging.”

Today, their chak-chak is produced at the ABAD Factory Production Complex in Quba and sold in Bravo, Grandmart, and Bolmart stores, as well as at ABAD ethno-boutiques. Looking ahead, Sevinj plans to launch a caramel production line with ABAD’s support, including equipment and staff training.