Polish exports of frozen fruit and vegetables in 2024

In 2024, Poland maintained its position as the European leader in the export of frozen fruit, while remaining among the top exporters of frozen fruit and vegetables in the world. This domestic sector continues its upward trend, showing a clear development potential for the coming years.

Export results for 2024

The value of exports of frozen vegetables in 2024 amounted to EUR 431 million (approx. USD 469.79 million).  A symbolic decrease in this segment was recorded, which amounted to 2% compared to the previous year. The European Union remains the main recipient of Polish frozen vegetables, accounting for 75 per cent. of this value (EUR 325 million – approx. USD 354.25 million). The most important markets are Germany, France and Belgium, and among non-EU countries – the United Kingdom.

Exports of frozen fruit reached EUR 592 million (approx. USD 645.28 million) and ended with a one percent increase compared to 2023. As much as EUR 449 million (approx. USD 489.41 million) of this sum was accounted for by deliveries to European Union countries. Germany remained the main importer of our frozen fruit (EUR 162 million – approx. USD 176.58 million). Belgium, France and the Netherlands also had a significant share of EU imports. The group of non-EU customers included: Great Britain, Norway, Serbia and Belarus.

The potential of the domestic frozen food market according to DBMR

Data Bridge Market Research (DMBR) – a global market research and business consulting company, especially in the area of advanced data analysis and forecasting – has estimated the total value of the frozen fruit and vegetable market in Poland in 2024 at USD 1,045.7 billion.

At the same time, DBMR forecasts the growth of the Polish frozen fruit and vegetable market until 2032 to  USD 1,643.67 billion at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.50 percent.

Frozen fruit and vegetable market in Poland in 2018-2032 in USD billion

Source: Data Bridge Market Research

According to Data Bridge Market Research: 

• Poland not only exports, but also has a strongly developed internal structure, which ensures logistical security, continuity of supply and operational flexibility for exporters,
• the average expenditure on frozen fruit and vegetables in Eastern Europe is approx. USD 8.10 per person in 2024, compared to USD 24 in Western Europe,
• Poland is in the European middle sector, with growing growth potential (especially in the retail segment),
• the value of the organic frozen food  segment in Poland in 2024 grew faster than conventional ones, reaching a CAGR of 7.42% in the forecast until 2032.

Technology and quality as a competitive advantage

Investments in modern technologies, especially in IQF freezing (rapid freezing of individual pieces of product), allow us to maintain high quality of products. This is particularly important in the context of the growing expectations of consumers, who pay attention to the nutritional value, freshness and origin of products. Thanks to the IQF method, Polish frozen vegetables and fruits are sold to high-margin premium segments in Western Europe and Scandinavia.

Geographical diversification and new export directions

Although most of the exports go to EU markets, there is also a growing interest in Polish frozen food on non-EU markets. In addition to the established cooperation with the United Kingdom, exporters are increasingly boldly entering the markets of Norway, Serbia, as well as the Middle East and Central Asia. A noticeable shift towards diversification of export directions may strengthen the sector’s resilience to possible trade turmoil in the eurozone.

Unfavourable weather conditions, rising energy and raw material prices, and wage pressure remain a worry for the industry.

Data Bridge Market Research, forecasting the dynamic development of the Polish export sector of frozen fruit and vegetables, also draws attention to the impact of increased interest in organic products and further automation and digitization of processing processes in Poland.

Sources:

• Gospodarz.pl, Eksport mrożonek warzywnych z Polski w 2024 r.
• Gospodarz.pl, Eksport mrożonek owocowych z Polski w 2024 r.
• Data Bridge Market Research, „Poland Frozen Fruit and Vegetables Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast to 2032”