In the last 20 years Poland experienced impressive economic  growth, a progress which translated in a dramatic increase in the country’s imports, especially in the food sector. This led to the emergence of a large number of Polish food importers and distributors that supply over 37 million people with a diverse range of food products from around the world. In the following guide, we will focus on some of the established companies from this region.

Despite being one of the major food producers in Europe, with food exports reaching an impressive 51.8 billion EUR in 2023, a solid increase of  8%  compared to the previous year, Poland also imports significant volumes of food and has a diverse and growing network of food importers.

Poland stands out as a key processing hub in the EU, for fish and seafood, and private label products destined for other EU nations—areas of significant interest to global food producers. Given this, fish, seafood, tree nuts, dried fruits, and baking industry ingredients are promising commodities.

Poland’s economic performance continues to be robust, with a GDP growth of 5.9%, signaling a strong recovery post-pandemic. The country is currently facing challenges from the ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to an influx of refugees, along with an energy crisis and high inflation that are squeezing household budgets. However, these challenges are temporary, and Poland remains one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets.

Fish & Seafood Imports

Poland’s imports of fish and seafood continue to grow at an excellent pace, reaching USD 1.8 billion in 2023, an over 25% increase. Polish fish importers are working with N European markets like Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, but also with Russia and China. As expected, Russian imports saw a major drop because of the war and the sanctions and importers are looking to supplement volumes from different regions.

Exotic fruits Imports

As a country with a temperate climate, Poland relies on imports of exotic and tropical fruits, an area that is also growing constantly thanks to consumers who opt for healthier lifestyles. In 2023 imports of citrus reached USD 557.5 million, an over 10% increase. Poland’s main import regions are Spain, Turkey, South Africa and Greece. Imports of bananas are also growing, reaching USD 376 million. The main exporters are from South America – Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Colombia.

Cereals, Grains Imports

Poland is a major producer of cereals but the country still relies on significant imports of over USD 774 million, mainly from its neighbors. Ukraine was Poland’s main supplier of import cereals in 2023, followed by Slovakia, France and the Czech Republic. However, in April 2023, Poland implemented unilateral import bans on Ukrainian produce in response to widespread farmer protests over the influx of cheap Ukrainian exports, which flooded the domestic market.

Market Opportunities:

• Poland boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, with steadily rising incomes and household spending
• Polish households allocate over 26% of their disposable income to food and beverage purchases.
• Young Polish consumers are globally minded, embracing international food and lifestyle trends, with the U.S. as a key influencer.
• A strong processing sector supplies consumer-ready products across the entire European Union.
• The retail landscape is dominated by multinational chains, offering a wide range of international products.
• Poland serves as a gateway to smaller Eastern EU markets, including the Baltic states, Romania, and Hungary.

3 Food Importers from Poland:

1. Puh Pilot

A large FMCG wholesaler and importer, Puh Pilot focuses on popular brands, mostly from Ferrero, Mondelez and Unilever. Some of the main products imported are tea and coffee, confectionery products and energy drinks. The company cooperates with producers from the European Union, both North and South Americas, Asia, Australia, Africa.

Address:  Staniewicka 5, Warszawa
Phone:  0048 222052540
Top products imported:  Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Chocolate
Website: www.puh-pilot.com

2. Food Trading Sp.

With a focus on agricultural products, Food Trading is also a major importer of meat (beef, pork and poultry meat products). The company expanded over the years to the import of fruit and vegetables from around the world, sugar and grains.

Address:  Aleja Solidarności 155/35, Warszawa
Phone:  0048 221140001
Top products imported:  Beef, Pork, Poultry
Website: www.foodtrading.com.pl

3. Bury Sp.

One of the biggest fruit and vegetables traders in Poland, Bury has been operating for over 27 years in Central Europe. The company was founded by the brothers Bogdan and Jacek Burych and deals in both domestic and foreign fruits.

Company: Bury Sp. O.o.
Address:  Ul. Mełgiewska 38c, Lublin
Phone: 0048 814697755
Top products imported:  Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables
Website: www.bury.pl