High quality of raw materials is one of the most important criteria determining the quality of food. Sustainable agricultural production and ecological production techniques are increasingly appreciated and required by developed and developing societies. In Europe itself, especially in Western countries, Polish food products are increasingly appreciated. What makes Polish food gain such recognition?
Popularity of Polish agricultural and food products
High quality of raw materials is not only a matter of taste or nutritional value, but also a matter of health and safety. Polish food, thanks to its natural origin and high-quality raw materials, is gaining more and more recognition in Europe. Currently, the consumer's turn towards high-quality food is clearly visible and there is no doubt that traditional production methods, care for the quality and safety of products, and knowledge about the use of natural ingredients are key factors influencing the success and satisfaction of consumers.
What makes Polish food so good and so popular?
- Traditional agriculture, based on natural methods of cultivation and breeding, dominates in Poland. As a result, the products are free of chemicals, pesticides and other harmful substances, which positively affects their taste, smell and nutritional value.
- Polish farmers care very much about the quality of their products. They realize that only the highest quality raw materials allow for the production of the best quality food. Therefore, rigorous standards and control procedures are applied in Poland, as well as certification systems that guarantee food quality and safety.
- Polish food products are distinguished by the richness of flavors and aromas. Polish cuisine is based on simple, natural ingredients that allow for a full, authentic taste. In addition, there are many regions in Poland with unique culinary traditions, which affects the diversity and richness of the offer.
- An important factor that influences the popularity of Polish food in Europe is its availability. Poland, as a country with large natural resources, can offer a wide range of food products at attractive prices. That is why Polish products are increasingly exported to European markets, where they are very popular. Polish wholesalers are perfectly prepared to cooperate with foreign partners, thanks to which the entire course of the transaction, from ordering to receipt of goods, runs smoothly and without any problems.
Record-breaking export of Polish food
Although in recent years Polish food exports had an upward trend, Poland still imported more than it sold abroad. In 2022, this trend reversed, and Polish exports of agri-food products reached record values. Sales of Polish food increased by 27% (reaching PLN 204 billion).
Of course, most Polish food goes to European markets. The main EU recipients of Polish food include Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. Sales to these countries in 2022 increased from 20% to 40% compared to 2021. In the first half of 2022, Polish food exports to EU countries reached a total value of EUR 19.3 billion. And what products exactly went to the EU markets? Tobacco products, meat and dairy products dominate:
- cigarettes (€1.6 billion),
- dairy products (EUR 1.3 billion),
- beef (EUR 1 billion),
- bread and bakery products (EUR 1 billion),
- animal feed (€0.9 billion),
- chocolate products (EUR 0.8 billion).
Although the area of the European Union is the main recipient of Polish food, this does not mean that Polish food products are not appreciated outside the Community. Among the non-EU importers of Polish food, one can distinguish the United Kingdom (EUR 2.4 billion in revenues), Ukraine (EUR 615 million) or Saudi Arabia (EUR 339 million).
Good food and cheap food
Although the success of Polish food is certainly due to the high quality of food, excellent taste of products, tradition and history of food production in Poland. However, it cannot be denied that there is one more factor that significantly contributed to the growth of Polish exports. And that is the current rampant inflation.
Polish food is currently one of the cheapest food in Europe! And if something is good and cheap, why not buy it? The low prices of Polish agri-food products are caused not only by a sustainable economy, but also by the decline of the Polish zloty (PLN), which significantly increased the competitiveness of Polish products on foreign markets. Foreign retailers noticed cheaper alternatives to previously sold products in Polish products.
The structure of Polish food exports
According to aggregated data from recent years, the most Polish food exported to other countries is meat, including pork, poultry and beef. Another important export sector is dairy products such as cheese, milk powder, butter and cream. Poland is also an important exporter of fish, including salmon and herring.
No less important place in the Polish food export sector is occupied by vegetables and fruits. We are talking about legendary Polish apples, but also products such as strawberries, raspberries, pears, as well as onions and carrots.
Bakery and confectionery products, such as cakes, biscuits, wafers and candies, are also an important part of Poland's food exports.
When analyzing the details of the structure of Polish food exports, it can be seen that it is complex and includes many products of various categories, with the most important sectors being meat, dairy products, fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as bakery and confectionery products.
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