Is Polish poultry very popular on foreign markets? What are the main competitive advantages of our poultry in the eyes of importers and consumers outside the country? Which foreign markets are key for Polish poultry today?
Polish poultry is enjoying growing recognition on foreign markets. Data for 2024 shows that Poland produced 3.653 million tons of poultry meat, of which over 2 million tons were exported. We are the undisputed leader in poultry production in the European Union and the third largest poultry exporter in the world.
The main competitive advantages of Polish poultry are modern technologies, high food safety standards, and the experience of producers and processors. The Polish poultry industry is one of the most modern sectors in the world, and our plants meet strict EU standards for food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Thanks to these standards, Polish poultry enjoys a high level of trust among consumers around the world who are looking for high-quality products. In addition, Polish poultry is competitively priced, offering high quality compared to poultry from outside the EU, whose producers often do not have to comply with such stringent standards. As consumers around the world become more aware of the origin and quality of food, preferences for products from countries that adhere to high standards are becoming increasingly apparent.
In 2024, the value of Polish poultry exports reached nearly PLN 24 billion, of which 31.18% went to markets outside the European Union. The key market for Polish poultry remains primarily the countries of the European Union, which account for approximately 68% of our production. However, growing interest in Polish poultry is also noticeable in non-EU markets, especially in Asia and Africa. The Polish poultry industry is actively seeking access to new markets, including North America, which would be a significant step in the further development of exports.
What are the challenges associated with exporting poultry outside the European Union?
Exporting poultry outside the European Union involves a number of challenges that are crucial to the competitiveness of the Polish sector. First and foremost, Polish poultry must meet extremely strict EU standards for food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Unlike producers outside the EU, who do not have to comply with such stringent regulations, our industry faces difficulties in maintaining price competitiveness. Price is always of great importance in foreign markets.
But we believe that consumers around the world increasingly appreciate the attention to quality, safety, and animal welfare that sets our poultry apart from the competition.
Another challenge is the need to adapt our offer to the diverse requirements of different markets. Individual regions, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, differ in terms of certification standards, consumer preferences, and quality requirements, which requires Polish producers to be flexible and adapt their offerings, and also involves additional costs and logistical challenges.
Changes in trade policy, such as the Mercosur agreement or the liberalization of imports from Ukraine, introduce additional barriers that make it difficult for Polish producers to gain access to new markets or remain competitive in existing ones. The proposed changes may lead to market distortions, with non-EU poultry meat, produced to lower standards, potentially displacing Polish poultry. Changes in trade policy and differences in sanitary and quality regulations pose a serious threat to the future of Polish poultry exports.
How is the industry coping with animal welfare and sustainable production requirements?
The Polish poultry industry is focusing on innovation and investment in sustainable development to meet animal welfare and environmental protection requirements. Examples of such activities include investments in modern technologies, such as the use of photovoltaics to produce energy in poultry plants, which contributes to reducing energy consumption from the grid and lowering CO₂ emissions. Polish producers also use technologies that optimize water and energy consumption, such as water recycling systems and intelligent energy management systems, which contribute to the sustainable development of the entire industry. In addition, they implement high biosecurity standards aimed at minimizing the risk of disease spread. Out of concern for animal welfare, Polish farmers comply with some of the world’s strictest regulations on farming conditions, ensuring adequate space, diet, and veterinary care in accordance with EU requirements.
In view of the growing animal welfare requirements and regulations resulting from the Green Deal, the industry is actively participating in consultations with EU institutions, proposing solutions based on practical knowledge. It is essential that actions are based on the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic. Only then will it be possible to achieve a balance between environmental protection, animal welfare, and production efficiency – which is the foundation for the sector’s long-term success.
What consumer trends are you observing in the domestic and foreign markets when it comes to poultry meat?
Both in the domestic and foreign markets, we are seeing growing interest in poultry products manufactured in accordance with high standards of sustainable development, as well as a preference for poultry meat with a documented origin. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to quality, preferring meat from farms that care about animal welfare and the environment, and are also choosing certified products that confirm compliance with high production standards.
On foreign markets, especially in Asia, there is growing demand for various poultry parts that are an integral part of local cuisine, such as wings, legs, feet, and liver. In the European Union, where chicken breasts dominate consumption, there is a growing trend towards poultry products that are easy to prepare, as well as those with lower fat content, which are perceived as a healthier alternative. Consumers also prefer ready-to-eat or semi-finished products that meet the needs of quick, healthy cooking.
The Polish poultry industry is also adapting its offer to specific market and cultural requirements, ensuring that production complies with various standards. Plants that obtain various certificates confirm that their products meet market requirements. An example of such a certificate is halal, which ensures that products comply with Islamic law, enabling the export of poultry meat to Arab countries, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as kosher certificates, which enable exports to Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Such activities, supported by advanced quality and safety control systems, allow Polish producers to compete effectively in the global poultry market and adapt to changing consumer preferences in different regions of the world.
What are KRD-IG’s priorities for the coming months or years?
KRD-IG focuses on several key priorities aimed at further developing and protecting the Polish poultry industry. We will continue to fight hard to maintain the competitiveness of the Polish sector on the European and global markets, in particular by counteracting the liberalization of trade with countries with lower production standards, as in the case of the agreements with Mercosur and Ukraine. In international negotiations, KRD-IG focuses on protecting the interests of Polish producers, emphasizing equal competition conditions and striving to maintain high production standards in the European Union.
At the same time, we will actively participate in discussions on legislative changes concerning animal welfare. We want the regulations to be not only ambitious, but also realistic and based on facts and practical knowledge. Another key priority is to promote the competitiveness of the Polish poultry industry, both on the domestic market and in exports. We want to emphasize the high quality, safety, and standards of Polish poultry meat, including the measures taken by our producers in the area of animal welfare and reducing environmental impact.
In the face of growing misinformation in the media and the activities of non-governmental organizations, which often spread false information and seek to introduce unjustified restrictions, KRD-IG constantly counteracts fake news and promotes fact-based knowledge – defending the interests of the poultry sector. An important focus of our activities will be to further develop dialogue with consumers and the media – building trust in the industry, debunking myths and presenting reliable information about poultry production in Poland.
In addition, we will support the development of sustainable poultry production, with a particular focus on raising biosecurity standards and minimizing the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as avian influenza. These activities are crucial to ensuring production safety and maintaining the high quality of Polish poultry meat, both on the domestic and international markets.
Polish poultry is enjoying growing recognition on foreign markets. Data for 2024 shows that Poland produced 3.653 million tons of poultry meat, of which over 2 million tons were exported. We are the undisputed leader in poultry production in the European Union and the third largest poultry exporter in the world.
The main competitive advantages of Polish poultry are modern technologies, high food safety standards, and the experience of producers and processors. The Polish poultry industry is one of the most modern sectors in the world, and our plants meet strict EU standards for food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Thanks to these standards, Polish poultry enjoys a high level of trust among consumers around the world who are looking for high-quality products. In addition, Polish poultry is competitively priced, offering high quality compared to poultry from outside the EU, whose producers often do not have to comply with such stringent standards. As consumers around the world become more aware of the origin and quality of food, preferences for products from countries that adhere to high standards are becoming increasingly apparent.
In 2024, the value of Polish poultry exports reached nearly PLN 24 billion, of which 31.18% went to markets outside the European Union. The key market for Polish poultry remains primarily the countries of the European Union, which account for approximately 68% of our production. However, growing interest in Polish poultry is also noticeable in non-EU markets, especially in Asia and Africa. The Polish poultry industry is actively seeking access to new markets, including North America, which would be a significant step in the further development of exports.
What are the challenges associated with exporting poultry outside the European Union?
Exporting poultry outside the European Union involves a number of challenges that are crucial to the competitiveness of the Polish sector. First and foremost, Polish poultry must meet extremely strict EU standards for food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Unlike producers outside the EU, who do not have to comply with such stringent regulations, our industry faces difficulties in maintaining price competitiveness. Price is always of great importance in foreign markets.
But we believe that consumers around the world increasingly appreciate the attention to quality, safety, and animal welfare that sets our poultry apart from the competition.
Another challenge is the need to adapt our offer to the diverse requirements of different markets. Individual regions, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, differ in terms of certification standards, consumer preferences, and quality requirements, which requires Polish producers to be flexible and adapt their offerings, and also involves additional costs and logistical challenges.
Changes in trade policy, such as the Mercosur agreement or the liberalization of imports from Ukraine, introduce additional barriers that make it difficult for Polish producers to gain access to new markets or remain competitive in existing ones. The proposed changes may lead to market distortions, with non-EU poultry meat, produced to lower standards, potentially displacing Polish poultry. Changes in trade policy and differences in sanitary and quality regulations pose a serious threat to the future of Polish poultry exports.
How is the industry coping with animal welfare and sustainable production requirements?
The Polish poultry industry is focusing on innovation and investment in sustainable development to meet animal welfare and environmental protection requirements. Examples of such activities include investments in modern technologies, such as the use of photovoltaics to produce energy in poultry plants, which contributes to reducing energy consumption from the grid and lowering CO₂ emissions. Polish producers also use technologies that optimize water and energy consumption, such as water recycling systems and intelligent energy management systems, which contribute to the sustainable development of the entire industry. In addition, they implement high biosecurity standards aimed at minimizing the risk of disease spread. Out of concern for animal welfare, Polish farmers comply with some of the world’s strictest regulations on farming conditions, ensuring adequate space, diet, and veterinary care in accordance with EU requirements.
In view of the growing animal welfare requirements and regulations resulting from the Green Deal, the industry is actively participating in consultations with EU institutions, proposing solutions based on practical knowledge. It is essential that actions are based on the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic. Only then will it be possible to achieve a balance between environmental protection, animal welfare, and production efficiency – which is the foundation for the sector’s long-term success.
What consumer trends are you observing in the domestic and foreign markets when it comes to poultry meat?
Both in the domestic and foreign markets, we are seeing growing interest in poultry products manufactured in accordance with high standards of sustainable development, as well as a preference for poultry meat with a documented origin. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to quality, preferring meat from farms that care about animal welfare and the environment, and are also choosing certified products that confirm compliance with high production standards.
On foreign markets, especially in Asia, there is growing demand for various poultry parts that are an integral part of local cuisine, such as wings, legs, feet, and liver. In the European Union, where chicken breasts dominate consumption, there is a growing trend towards poultry products that are easy to prepare, as well as those with lower fat content, which are perceived as a healthier alternative. Consumers also prefer ready-to-eat or semi-finished products that meet the needs of quick, healthy cooking.
The Polish poultry industry is also adapting its offer to specific market and cultural requirements, ensuring that production complies with various standards. Plants that obtain various certificates confirm that their products meet market requirements. An example of such a certificate is halal, which ensures that products comply with Islamic law, enabling the export of poultry meat to Arab countries, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as kosher certificates, which enable exports to Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Such activities, supported by advanced quality and safety control systems, allow Polish producers to compete effectively in the global poultry market and adapt to changing consumer preferences in different regions of the world.
What are KRD-IG’s priorities for the coming months or years?
KRD-IG focuses on several key priorities aimed at further developing and protecting the Polish poultry industry. We will continue to fight hard to maintain the competitiveness of the Polish sector on the European and global markets, in particular by counteracting the liberalization of trade with countries with lower production standards, as in the case of the agreements with Mercosur and Ukraine. In international negotiations, KRD-IG focuses on protecting the interests of Polish producers, emphasizing equal competition conditions and striving to maintain high production standards in the European Union.
At the same time, we will actively participate in discussions on legislative changes concerning animal welfare. We want the regulations to be not only ambitious, but also realistic and based on facts and practical knowledge. Another key priority is to promote the competitiveness of the Polish poultry industry, both on the domestic market and in exports. We want to emphasize the high quality, safety, and standards of Polish poultry meat, including the measures taken by our producers in the area of animal welfare and reducing environmental impact.
In the face of growing misinformation in the media and the activities of non-governmental organizations, which often spread false information and seek to introduce unjustified restrictions, KRD-IG constantly counteracts fake news and promotes fact-based knowledge – defending the interests of the poultry sector. An important focus of our activities will be to further develop dialogue with consumers and the media – building trust in the industry, debunking myths and presenting reliable information about poultry production in Poland.
In addition, we will support the development of sustainable poultry production, with a particular focus on raising biosecurity standards and minimizing the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as avian influenza. These activities are crucial to ensuring production safety and maintaining the high quality of Polish poultry meat, both on the domestic and international markets.
