Poland is one of Europe’s leading poultry producers and exporters. What is the greatest competitive advantage of Polish poultry in international markets today?
The strength of the Polish poultry sector comes from a combination of modern technologies, high food safety standards and many years of experience. Consistent investment in plant modernization, technological development and increased production efficiency has made the Polish poultry industry one of the most advanced sectors of the European agri-food industry.
Over the past two decades, the Polish poultry sector has tripled its production capacity while exports have increased tenfold. Today, one of the key challenges is to further strengthen the recognition of Polish poultry as a reliable and competitive product in international markets.
The sector’s key strengths remain its production scale, efficiency, competitiveness and supply stability. Another important advantage is high product quality combined with a competitive price-to-quality ratio. These are the factors that build consumer trust in many markets around the world.
International consumers are increasingly looking for products that combine tradition, high quality and innovation. What does the Polish poultry industry offer them?
Both in Poland and internationally, we are seeing growing interest in poultry products produced according to high sustainability standards. Verified product origin is also becoming increasingly important.
Consumers pay attention to certifications confirming high production standards as well as animal husbandry practices, animal welfare and the environmental impact of production.
The Polish Oat-Fed Goose, derived from the White Kołuda goose and fed exclusively on oats during the final fattening period, is an excellent example of how tradition and quality can come together. It is a product deeply rooted in Polish culinary and agricultural traditions that has also built a strong reputation in demanding international markets.
The poultry industry, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is seeking to have the name ‘Polish Oat-Fed Goose’ entered into the EU register of Protected Geographical Indications. The application has been published at the EU level, but the procedure has been complicated by an objection filed by Germany. The matter is currently being discussed between Poland and Germany.
Obtaining the designation would protect the name throughout the European Union against unauthorized use. It would also further strengthen the product’s recognition and prestige in international markets.
The Polish poultry sector also responds to the diverse needs of consumers in individual markets. In Asia, different parts of the chicken are in high demand because they are an important part of local cuisines.
In the European Union, where chicken breast is particularly popular, demand is growing for convenient products as well as processed and semi-prepared foods that meet consumers’ need for quick and easy meal preparation.
Thanks to a broad product portfolio and the ability to adapt products to the specific characteristics of individual markets, Polish producers can effectively meet the expectations of demanding customers around the world.
Which export markets currently offer the greatest opportunities for Polish poultry and where do you see the strongest growth potential?
In 2025, exports of poultry meat and processed poultry products were valued at approximately EUR 6.6 billion. Poland produced more than 3.7 million metric tons of poultry meat.
More than 55% of production is exported, with around 30% going to non-EU markets.
The European Union remains the most important market, but the industry is steadily expanding sales in markets outside the EU, including Asia and Africa. This allows the sector to respond to growing demand for poultry meat, make better use of production capacity and further diversify its export destinations.
Promising markets include South Korea, which has once again authorized imports of Polish poultry after a break of several years, and the Philippines, where sales are growing rapidly.
The industry is also working with government agencies to open new markets. This is a long-term process that requires more than formal market access. It also involves building relationships with importers, strengthening brand recognition and developing trust.
Diversifying export markets is important not only for sales growth. It also allows producers to make better use of different parts of the carcass, reduce dependence on individual markets and increase the sector’s resilience to fluctuations in demand.
Given the scale of production, exports are not simply a supplement to the domestic market. They are a key pillar of the industry’s growth. International sales allow the Polish poultry sector to fully leverage its production potential and maintain its position as a European leader.
How is the Polish poultry industry responding to growing requirements related to quality, food safety, animal welfare and sustainable production?
The Polish poultry industry is investing in solutions that support more sustainable production. These include technologies that reduce energy and water consumption and allow resources to be used more efficiently.
Examples include investments in renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems used to power production facilities. These solutions help reduce electricity consumption from the grid and lower CO2 emissions. Producers are also implementing water recycling systems and smart energy management tools to improve process efficiency.
The sector also maintains high biosecurity standards to reduce the risk of disease occurrence and transmission.
In terms of animal welfare, producers comply with strict national and EU requirements. These include appropriate housing conditions, proper nutrition and veterinary care.
Sustainable development is based on three pillars: environmental, social and economic. Only this approach makes it possible to combine environmental responsibility and animal welfare with production efficiency and the competitiveness of the sector.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the Polish poultry industry today? Can exports continue to grow at a rapid pace?
The biggest challenges facing the Polish poultry industry include regulatory pressure, competition from producers outside the European Union and the threat of infectious diseases.
Increasing requirements related to food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection have an impact on production costs and the competitiveness of the sector.
At the same time, the Polish poultry industry has strong foundations for continued growth. Poland remains the largest producer of poultry meat in the European Union. Its strong position in international markets is built on the sector’s experience, scale and ability to respond quickly to changing consumer needs.
Further export growth will depend primarily on opening new markets, diversifying sales destinations and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.
The flexibility of Polish producers and their ability to adapt their products to the needs of individual markets remain key competitive advantages. This strengthens the sector’s resilience to fluctuations in demand and creates further opportunities for international sales growth.
What were the Polish poultry industry’s expectations for this year’s SIAL trade show and what are buyers looking for today?
The main goal of participating in SIAL is to further strengthen the recognition of Polish poultry as a strong and reliable export brand under the ‘Polish Poultry’ name and to showcase the potential of the Polish poultry sector.
International customers are increasingly looking for products with verified origin, high quality and responsible production standards. The Polish poultry industry responds to these expectations by offering products manufactured according to demanding standards and adapted to the specific needs of individual markets.
The trade show is also an opportunity to develop long-term business relationships and strengthen trust between Polish producers and international partners.
The strength of the Polish poultry sector comes from a combination of modern technologies, high food safety standards and many years of experience. Consistent investment in plant modernization, technological development and increased production efficiency has made the Polish poultry industry one of the most advanced sectors of the European agri-food industry.
Over the past two decades, the Polish poultry sector has tripled its production capacity while exports have increased tenfold. Today, one of the key challenges is to further strengthen the recognition of Polish poultry as a reliable and competitive product in international markets.
The sector’s key strengths remain its production scale, efficiency, competitiveness and supply stability. Another important advantage is high product quality combined with a competitive price-to-quality ratio. These are the factors that build consumer trust in many markets around the world.
International consumers are increasingly looking for products that combine tradition, high quality and innovation. What does the Polish poultry industry offer them?
Both in Poland and internationally, we are seeing growing interest in poultry products produced according to high sustainability standards. Verified product origin is also becoming increasingly important.
Consumers pay attention to certifications confirming high production standards as well as animal husbandry practices, animal welfare and the environmental impact of production.
The Polish Oat-Fed Goose, derived from the White Kołuda goose and fed exclusively on oats during the final fattening period, is an excellent example of how tradition and quality can come together. It is a product deeply rooted in Polish culinary and agricultural traditions that has also built a strong reputation in demanding international markets.
The poultry industry, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is seeking to have the name ‘Polish Oat-Fed Goose’ entered into the EU register of Protected Geographical Indications. The application has been published at the EU level, but the procedure has been complicated by an objection filed by Germany. The matter is currently being discussed between Poland and Germany.
Obtaining the designation would protect the name throughout the European Union against unauthorized use. It would also further strengthen the product’s recognition and prestige in international markets.
The Polish poultry sector also responds to the diverse needs of consumers in individual markets. In Asia, different parts of the chicken are in high demand because they are an important part of local cuisines.
In the European Union, where chicken breast is particularly popular, demand is growing for convenient products as well as processed and semi-prepared foods that meet consumers’ need for quick and easy meal preparation.
Thanks to a broad product portfolio and the ability to adapt products to the specific characteristics of individual markets, Polish producers can effectively meet the expectations of demanding customers around the world.
Which export markets currently offer the greatest opportunities for Polish poultry and where do you see the strongest growth potential?
In 2025, exports of poultry meat and processed poultry products were valued at approximately EUR 6.6 billion. Poland produced more than 3.7 million metric tons of poultry meat.
More than 55% of production is exported, with around 30% going to non-EU markets.
The European Union remains the most important market, but the industry is steadily expanding sales in markets outside the EU, including Asia and Africa. This allows the sector to respond to growing demand for poultry meat, make better use of production capacity and further diversify its export destinations.
Promising markets include South Korea, which has once again authorized imports of Polish poultry after a break of several years, and the Philippines, where sales are growing rapidly.
The industry is also working with government agencies to open new markets. This is a long-term process that requires more than formal market access. It also involves building relationships with importers, strengthening brand recognition and developing trust.
Diversifying export markets is important not only for sales growth. It also allows producers to make better use of different parts of the carcass, reduce dependence on individual markets and increase the sector’s resilience to fluctuations in demand.
Given the scale of production, exports are not simply a supplement to the domestic market. They are a key pillar of the industry’s growth. International sales allow the Polish poultry sector to fully leverage its production potential and maintain its position as a European leader.
How is the Polish poultry industry responding to growing requirements related to quality, food safety, animal welfare and sustainable production?
The Polish poultry industry is investing in solutions that support more sustainable production. These include technologies that reduce energy and water consumption and allow resources to be used more efficiently.
Examples include investments in renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems used to power production facilities. These solutions help reduce electricity consumption from the grid and lower CO2 emissions. Producers are also implementing water recycling systems and smart energy management tools to improve process efficiency.
The sector also maintains high biosecurity standards to reduce the risk of disease occurrence and transmission.
In terms of animal welfare, producers comply with strict national and EU requirements. These include appropriate housing conditions, proper nutrition and veterinary care.
Sustainable development is based on three pillars: environmental, social and economic. Only this approach makes it possible to combine environmental responsibility and animal welfare with production efficiency and the competitiveness of the sector.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the Polish poultry industry today? Can exports continue to grow at a rapid pace?
The biggest challenges facing the Polish poultry industry include regulatory pressure, competition from producers outside the European Union and the threat of infectious diseases.
Increasing requirements related to food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection have an impact on production costs and the competitiveness of the sector.
At the same time, the Polish poultry industry has strong foundations for continued growth. Poland remains the largest producer of poultry meat in the European Union. Its strong position in international markets is built on the sector’s experience, scale and ability to respond quickly to changing consumer needs.
Further export growth will depend primarily on opening new markets, diversifying sales destinations and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.
The flexibility of Polish producers and their ability to adapt their products to the needs of individual markets remain key competitive advantages. This strengthens the sector’s resilience to fluctuations in demand and creates further opportunities for international sales growth.
What were the Polish poultry industry’s expectations for this year’s SIAL trade show and what are buyers looking for today?
The main goal of participating in SIAL is to further strengthen the recognition of Polish poultry as a strong and reliable export brand under the ‘Polish Poultry’ name and to showcase the potential of the Polish poultry sector.
International customers are increasingly looking for products with verified origin, high quality and responsible production standards. The Polish poultry industry responds to these expectations by offering products manufactured according to demanding standards and adapted to the specific needs of individual markets.
The trade show is also an opportunity to develop long-term business relationships and strengthen trust between Polish producers and international partners.
