Poland’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is a major—and growing—market in Central Europe. According to a 2024–2025 industry overview, the Polish F&B industry generated PLN 454.4 billion in 2023, accounting for about 13.3% of GDP.
From Domestic Supplier to Export Powerhouse
Moreover, it’s a major export hub, contributing significantly to the country’s trade balance. Polish agri-food products have not only been breaking sales records for several years, but are also building an increasingly strong brand on the global market.
Year 2024 made history: the value of food exports from Poland reached 53.5 billion euros, nearly ten times more than two decades ago. From a sector that once supplied mainly the domestic market, Poland has grown into one of the leaders in food exports within the EU.
Diverse and High-Volume Production
Poland ranks among the top European producers of poultry, dairy, fruits, grains, confectionery, and processed foods. Poland remains a leading poultry-meat producer in the EU, and also ranks high in fruit production — especially apples, as Poland is the biggest apple exporter in the EU.
Unlike some Western EU countries, Poland maintains high production volumes with comparatively lower labor and land costs, allowing for competitive export pricing without sacrificing quality. The domestic industry is well-established, benefiting from economies of scale, long agricultural traditions, and a diversified production portfolio ranging from raw produce to high-value processed foods.
Rising Imports and a More Open Market
However, imports into Poland have also surged: in 2023 the import value rose to a record high, and recent data show a strong upward trend of nearly 7.8% growth from 2023 to 2024 in the F&B import market.
For Asian companies or global suppliers, this dynamic—solid domestic production combined with growing imports—makes Poland an interesting market for niche, premium, ethnic or specialty foods and beverages.
EU Standards and Regulatory Credibility
All Polish food exports comply with European Union food regulations, which are among the strictest globally. This is appealing to importers seeking: clear documentation and traceability, strict residue limits and safety standards and stable, regulated production environments.
Export Destinations and Strategic Shift Toward Asia
Polish food products continue to enjoy a strong reputation across Europe, with 74% of exports destined for EU markets. The leading destinations include Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Czechia.
Expansion into Asian markets is part of a deliberate strategy aimed at reducing Polish agriculture’s dependence on traditional trading partners within the European Union. This direction was confirmed during the 10th Farmers and Agribusiness Forum, held at the end of November 2025 in Poznań, where South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam were recognized as strategically important markets.
Polish brands are less known in Taiwan compared to Western European ones. This is why importers would also need to create awareness and introduce Polish items as “European quality, better value,” products.
Key Polish Products Importers Should Consider
1. Dairy Products
Poland is the 3rd largest producer of dairy products in the European Union. Poland is a powerhouse in milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt production. Polish dairy is well-known in Asia competitive pricing compared to Western Europe, stable supply, and EU-grade processing and hygiene standards.
The Polish dairy exports to South Korea is a remarkable story. Market data analysis reveals that Polish sterilized milk has dominated the South Korean market, achieving nearly a 90% market share. Between 2022 and 2024, the volume of exported dairy products to that market increased from 2,383 kg to 4,379 kg, while their value nearly doubled, reaching over USD 33 million.
2. Confectionery & Snacks
Polish chocolates, biscuits, wafers, pralines and candies are a hidden gem for Asian importers. Polish sweets are gaining popularity worldwide, reaching 154 markets in 2023. They are well-regarded both within the EU and in non-European countries such as the United Kingdom, the USA, Ukraine, and Russia. Chocolate products lead Polish sweets exports, accounting for 80% of the total export value.
Polish sweets combine strong flavor profiles, attractive packaging and EU-level safety claims (natural, no artificial colors, etc.).
3. Frozen Foods
Poland has extensive frozen-food production, especially berries (blackberry, strawberry and others).
In addition, Poland ranks fifth globally in ice cream exports, surpassing even Italy. In 2024, Polish ice cream exports grew by 17% year on year. According to the International Trade Center, Poland exported 117,000 tons of ice cream in 2024, with a total value of €404.5 million.
4. Alcoholic Beverages
Poland is renowned for producing high-quality spirits—including vodka—as well as beer, wine, and cider, which are exported worldwide. The country is the second-largest beer exporter in the European Union and remains a major global exporter of vodka and other distilled spirits. Polish vodka, in particular, benefits from centuries-old distillation traditions.
Polish vodka is highly sought after in EU countries, particularly France, as well as in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Polish beer is primarily consumed within the EU, with top markets including theNetherlands, Italy, Germany, Hungary, France, and Czechia. Outside the EU, it is mainly exported to South Korea, the United Kingdom, the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Canada.
5. Fresh fruits
Apart from apples, Poland is the top producer of currants, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries in the EU. The first two are often called “superfruits” due to their special health properties and high content of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamins, minerals and fibre. In 2023, Polish fresh fruit managed to reach consumers in 84 countries.
As of 2025, Taiwan has officially authorized imports of fresh blueberries from Poland— meaning fresh Polish blueberries can soon arrive on the Taiwanese market.
6. Meat
Poland is one of the leading meat producers and exporters in the European Union, with a well-developed export network that reaches over 100 countries worldwide. The sector has grown significantly since Poland joined the EU, benefiting from EU veterinary standards, high production capacity, and global distribution channels.
Meat and meat products represent 19% of total Polish food exports. Poland is one of the main suppliers of pork and beef to the European market and is also a leader in poultry meat exports.
Polish pork export is a success story in Vietnam: data from Vietnam’s General Statistics Office confirm that Poland has become the third-largest supplier of pork to the country.
Poland’s food and beverage sector combines scale, quality, affordability, and regulatory credibility—a rare mix in today’s global food market. With a strong export track record, EU-compliant production standards, and a clear strategic push toward Asia, Poland is well-positioned to deepen its presence in Taiwan and the wider region.
For importers, Poland offers more than just competitive pricing. It provides access to a diverse range of high-quality products—from dairy and confectionery to frozen foods, fruits, meat, and alcoholic beverages—backed by a mature supply chain and stable production environment. At the same time, Poland’s growing openness to imports and international partnerships creates space for two-way trade and long-term collaboration.
As consumers continue to seek safe, premium, and differentiated food products, Polish producers represent an attractive and still underexplored alternative to traditional Western European suppliers. With the right positioning, education, and branding, Polish food and beverage products have strong potential to gain traction worldwide.
