Polish Food – A Brand Worth Appreciating

Polish food today stands for a long tradition of production and locally sourced raw materials, but also modern production facilities, high quality and safety standards, investment in technology, and companies that successfully compete in some of the world’s most demanding markets. The “Polish brand” in the food sector is becoming increasingly valuable – and gaining an ever stronger position beyond Poland’s borders.

The figures speak for themselves. In the first half of 2026, the value of Polish agri-food exports reached EUR 29 billion, or approximately PLN 123 billion. This was nearly 2% more than in the same period a year earlier. Poland’s positive foreign trade balance grew even faster – by more than 7%, reaching EUR 9.6 billion.

Particularly important from the perspective of the competitiveness of the Polish economy is the growing role of processed products. In the first six months of the year, their exports reached EUR 20 billion. This value is created not only by raw materials themselves, but also by know-how, technology, processing, logistics and brands developed by Polish companies.

Polish food has a particularly strong presence in the demanding European Union market, which accounts for 74% of Poland’s agri-food exports. At the same time, Polish companies are becoming increasingly active in non-EU markets. In the first half of 2026, exports to countries outside the EU increased by 6%, reaching EUR 7.5 billion. Markets recording growing sales of Polish products include Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, Türkiye and Morocco.

Food is therefore one of the sectors in which the Polish brand has a very tangible economic dimension. It is built by producers, processors, exporters, technology providers and successive generations of entrepreneurs. Its strength lies in combining tradition with modernity, quality with production capacity, and experience with the ability to respond to the needs of international markets.

Polish Food Day is a reminder that choosing Polish products can mean more than simply making a decision at the supermarket shelf. It is also an expression of economic patriotism – supporting businesses, jobs, investment and expertise that remain in Poland.

At the same time, perhaps the best confirmation of the strength of Polish food is the fact that it is increasingly being chosen by consumers thousands of kilometres away. Food can be more than just an export product. It can be a showcase for an entire country.

This is also an important topic from the perspective of the industry and its future development. That is why the discussion about the strength of the Polish brand, exports and building the position of Polish food on global markets will continue at this year’s POLAGRA.

On 23 September at 11:00 a.m. on the Main Stage, the debate “Polish Brand on the Global Stage. How Can We Effectively Support Exports and Strengthen the Position of Polish Food?” will take place. The discussion will focus on what determines the competitiveness of Polish producers abroad today, how their international expansion can be effectively supported, and how we can work together to strengthen Poland’s recognition as a producer of high-quality food.

A strong Polish brand does not build itself – it is the result of quality, consistency and cooperation across the entire industry.