Poland's organic market has recorded an annual growth rate of 10-20% in recent years; a development that entails commercial opportunities for Spain, according to a study by the Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade (ICEX).
The report "The market for organic products in Poland" shows that Poland is one of the largest countries in Europe (38 million inhabitants) and that the increase in disposable incomes, the improvement of its macroeconomic situation and the growing healthy lifestyle trends have turned it into a target for the sector.
According to the authors, the Polish Government encourages the consumption of organic products and the country is the leader in the receipt of EU Funds in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020, which includes agricultural programs for the development of the organic sector.
Although the Polish bio-sector is still young, the increase in consumption and the improvement of wages make it likely that "the potential development will remain considerable."
In the study, it is emphasised that Polish consumers maintain an ethnocentric position and show a clear preference for domestic suppliers and products.
However, in his view, this "serves to promote the consumption of organic products, both of those produced by Poland and of those that need to be imported."
The country currently imports citrus fruits, bananas, tomatoes, wine, pork and cheese, among other products, and for the authors of the report, there are clear market niches for Mediterranean products in the premium segment and in the Horeca channel (hotels, restaurants, etc.).
In their opinion, price is one of the determining factors shaping consumption, but in the case of organic products, as they become increasingly associated with a healthier lifestyle, the Polish consumer "will be willing to pay the higher price."
The demand is also shaped by the greater ease to acquire the products, in this case, by the proliferation of specialised and online stores, the increasing visibility of the products in supermarkets and hypermarkets, where specific organic sections are proliferating, and the popularity of markets.
Source: Efeagro
