The country exported 295 tonnes of chocolate overseas last year, securing a 12-percent market share behind Germany (28%) and the Netherlands (13%).
Poland’s primary focus is exporting to the European Union, with its top five chocolate destinations being Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
The United Kingdom constitutes Poland’s significant chocolate market outside of the EU, accounting for 15% of all sales.
While Russia and Ukraine were previously among key markets for Poland-based chocolate manufacturers, trade with these countries has sagged amid the ongoing conflict.
As a result, Polish producers have shifted their attention to the US and Turkey, boosting their sales to these countries.
Poland is also a significant consumer of chocolate, with the average Pole consuming 5.6 kg of chocolate in 2021, higher than an average person from France.
Foreign companies - the backbone of Polish exports
Poland’s chocolate exports are primarily driven by global corporations, with an increasing role being played by dispersed Polish companies.
The most popular chocolate producers in Poland include foreign-owned companies, such as Lotte Wedel, Wawel, Ferrero and Mondelez, as well as the Polish manufacturers of Terravita, Mieszko and Goplana.
The world’s largest chocolate producer, Mars, also has a strong presence in the Polish market, with its factory in Janaszówek, east-central Poland, producing up to 640 million Snickers bars each year.
(pjm)
Source: Rzeczpospolita