Brewing or distilling dregs and waste market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish market for brewing or distilling dregs and waste began the period with a volume of 875.5 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by innovative trends in the beer industry. That year saw the emergence of freeze-distilled (ice) beers in the craft segment, with several breweries like Browar Staropolski and Pinta launching such products. This development likely contributed to overall brewing activity and thus to the generation of processing waste. However, market volume then contracted to 515.0 thousand tonnes by 2021, even as the value of the market rose from 53.9 million to 71.7 million US dollars, indicating shifts in pricing or product mix.

From 2022 onward, the market volume recovered strongly, reaching 709.7 thousand tonnes in 2022 and 885.4 thousand tonnes in 2024, nearly matching the 2018 level. In value terms, the market peaked at 94.1 million US dollars in 2022 before declining to 82.9 million in 2023 and 75.3 million in 2024. The post-2021 expansion in physical volume coincided with a period lacking specific reported regulatory or investment drivers, suggesting a rebound in underlying brewing output or improved utilization of by-products.

Production brewing or distilling dregs and waste in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's production of brewing or distilling dregs and waste has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 56 126 thousand US dollars, marking a significant rise of 10.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 50.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Poland produced 773.8 thousand tonnes of brewing or distilling dregs and waste, showing a gradual increase of 6.4% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports brewing or distilling dregs and waste from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5.9 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 24.5 thousand tonnes, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.1 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments surged by 313.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Poland's exports of brewing or distilling dregs and waste in kind were Czechia, accounting for 37.6% of exports, Germany with 21.0%, and Hungary at 15.2%. Together, these three countries made up 73.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2020 at 3 178 thousand US dollars, representing a 9.3-fold increase. In 2020, exports jumped by 654.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest share of Poland's exports in value terms went to Germany, which accounted for 35.0%, followed by Ireland at 30.3%, and Czechia with 21.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 87.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020

Imports brewing or distilling dregs and waste to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Poland's import volume of brewing or distilling dregs and waste reached 110.1 thousand tonnes, which was 16.6% lower than the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 108.5 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 132.1 thousand tonnes. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 0.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany was the main source for Poland's imports in kind, accounting for 65.8%, followed by Hungary at 10.4%, and Slovakia with 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 84.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Poland's imports of brewing or distilling dregs and waste declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 12 151 thousand US dollars, reflecting a notable decrease of 15.0% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 14 290 thousand US dollars. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 83.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.4%. The largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 54.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany was the main supplier to Poland in value terms, accounting for 35.4% of imports, followed by Hungary at 23.9%, and Slovakia with 11.4%. Together, these three countries made up 70.6% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020