Poland produces ecological and flavourful food offered at competitive prices. Polish agricultural goods have a very good reputation in Europe. They are considered healthy, organically grown and as having high nutritional values. Numerous companies from this sector took advantage of the opportunity created by Poland’s accession to the European Union. Custom barriers disappeared and Polish products exported to other EU Member States do not need separate certificates to be sold there. This resulted in a very rapid increase in export of Polish products, such as milk, meat, fruit and vegetables. Quality and keeping the delivery deadlines are the strengths of Polish entrepreneurs, thanks to which they are able to sell their products in bulk to European clients. Polish products also have the added advantage of being competitively priced - on average they are 30% cheaper than those produced in other EU Member States.
From January to the end of September 2005 Polish firms sent over EUR 5 billion worth of food abroad. The export of Polish agricultural food products was therefore 36% higher than in 2004, which shows that foreign demand for Polish food products is still on the increase. The biggest customers are the member states of the EU which make up nearly three quarters of all food exports. During the first three quarters of 2005 the value of Polish food exports to this market increased by 40%.
The strongest advantages of the Polish food production are:
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Poland is the biggest producer of apples in Europe, the bulk of which is exported in either a fresh or processed state. Poland is also a European leader in the production of soft fruit. Polish farmers cultivate the same quantity of raspberries, blackcurrants, strawberries and cherries as all the producers of all the former European Union states put together.
Many Polish firms engaged in fruit and vegetable processing, have been doing exceptionally well on the foreign markets. The Rolnik company in 2003 sold abroad its marinades worth PLN 5 million. It also exported its products to the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia and to the United States. The Roleski company is another interesting example. It is one of the leading producers of ketchups, sauces, mustard and mayonnaises in Poland. These products have become popular in the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, USA and Australia. Roleski supplies NATO army in Europe. Roleski also won a tender for delivering ketchup to all Carrefour stores in Europe.
DAIRY PRODUCTS AND MEAT
Polish dairy products are also becoming competitive on the EU market. Last year, besides powdered milk (up to now a Polish speciality) yoghurts and cheese have also been selling very well. After entry into the EU the demand for Polish meat rose abruptly. Beef and poultry are proving to be the most popular meats.
JUICES AND CONFECTIONERY
Polish producers of juices and confectionery also conquer new markets. The Maspex Group headquartered in Wadowice is one of the largest food processing companies in Poland. Their products are sold in Europe, the USA, Canada and the Gulf States. Maspex holds first or second place on the market in many countries e.g. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Rumania, Slovenia, Macedonia, Estonia, Russia and Lithuania.
Polish confectionery brand names such as Wawel, Solidarność, Jutrzenka or Odra have been present abroad for many years.
POLISH BREWERIES
After the EU accession Polish breweries also commenced an exporting offensive. In terms of beer exports, 2004 was a record year - 400 thousand hectolitres. Sales of Polish beer are steadily rising and not just amongst Polish expatriates. One can buy Okocim and Żywiec in Chicago (present on the American market for 40 years), or purchase Carlsberg brewed in Brzesko in London. Brok is sold in Hungarian supermarkets and Żywiec exported its beer in 2004 to the USA, Canada, Great Britain and also to other countries, whereas Okocim sent its beer to Great Britain, Slovakia and Hungary.
Source: PAIiIZ S.A., March 2006
