Food and Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture has always been an important part of Poland's economy. Proud agricultural traditions and favourable market conditions have led to a 6-fold growth in the value of Polish agricultural exports since 2004.
Poland is the largest producer of poultry and apples in EU, the second largest producer of potatoes (after Germany) and the third largest in sugar beet, rapeseed and pork. Additionally, dairy production is significant, while maize production is growing. Poland is ranked as the third largest pork producer in the EU. Besides pork, Polish consumers are also demanding poultry and beef.
Total agricultural production has raised by more than 20% from 2005 to 2019, and in 2024, the market for Polish agricultural products is expected to have a total value of PLN 46.41 billion - an increase of 6.3% from 2019.
Furthermore, Polish consumers are increasingly demanding organic products. Today, organic farming accounts for only 3.3% of the total agricultural area. However, according to the EU Commission’s 'Farm to Fork' strategy, a target has been set for organic farming to account for 25% of the total agricultural area by 2030.
Technological solutions that can enhance productivity and ensure improved quality will be in demand in the coming years.
Food
The food-sector in Poland is an important segment of the retail market, as it constitutes the largest category of household expenditure in the country by 25%. Sales forecasts for food products in the coming years are positive as sales are expected to increase by 2,5% per year (2021-2025). Compared to other industries, the sale of food products via the internet are growing relatively less, which indicates that Polish consumers are still attached to traditional purchasing behaviour. The retail grocery market is dominated by large-format and medium-sized hypermarkets and supermarkets. Specialised grocery stores focusing on niche segments, such as organic food, are thus experiencing gaining ground in the dynamic Polish food market.
With the growing concern for health among Polish citizens, the use of organic food is experiencing development as well. For Danish companies, the market potential in the steadily growing organic food market is significant as organic products only account for about 5% of the total market for daily consumer goods.
In regards to the consumer market, many food shops and restaurants have shifted their focus to home delivery and takeaway. It is a common tendency to establish partnerships with third-party delivery companies, which is expected to continue.