Dried shelled legumes market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish dried shelled legumes market saw a contraction in 2019, with volume falling to 637 thousand tons from 791 thousand tons the previous year. A sharp recovery followed in 2020 as the market expanded to 1 051 thousand tons, driven by growing consumer interest in plant-based and vegan products, which increased demand for legumes as a protein alternative. This trend continued into 2021, with the market stabilizing around 1 047 thousand tons, supported by the ongoing expansion of the meat substitute segment.

A major expansion occurred in 2022, when market volume jumped to 1 387 thousand tons. This surge was fueled by the growth of the organic food segment in Poland and the promotional effect of the voluntary 'Produkt polski' labeling scheme, which boosted demand for locally sourced dried legumes. In 2023, the market volume held steady at 1 387 thousand tons, but its value rose to 1 221 million US dollars. The value increase was aided by the reduction of VAT to 0% on basic food items since 2022, which improved affordability, and by continued consumer preference for higher-value organic products.

Production dried shelled legumes in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

Poland's production of dried shelled legumes rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output reached 1 057.4 thousand tons, marking a significant 64.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production overall decreased by 13.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 642.9 thousand tons, with the steepest drop occurring in 2018 when production fell by 35.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of Poland's dried shelled legumes production recovered following a two-year downturn. In 2020, production was valued at 742.6 million US dollars, representing a 63.6% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, the total value declined by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The lowest value was observed in 2019 at 453.9 million US dollars, and the most substantial decrease happened in 2018 with a 26.3% drop.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Poland

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Poland's exports of dried shelled legumes by volume declined in 2020. The country exported 54 874 tons that year, which was 3.0% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 38.7% overall, averaging an 11.5% annual growth rate. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 56 597 tons, with the largest year-over-year increase also occurring in 2019 at 34.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Italy, and Norway were the top buyers of dried shelled legumes from Poland in terms of volume. Germany accounted for 34.9% of exports, Italy for 11.7%, and Norway for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 58.1% of Poland's total exports by volume during this period.

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

Following two consecutive years of growth, the value of Poland's dried shelled legumes exports decreased in 2020. Exports that year amounted to 38 539 thousand US dollars, down 3.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value rose by 53.7%, equating to an average annual increase of 15.4%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 39 954 thousand US dollars, with the most significant year-over-year growth also in 2019 at 31.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's dried shelled legumes exports in value terms were distributed across multiple markets without a single dominant destination. Germany led with 21.4% of export value, followed by Italy at 18.4% and Spain at 9.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.5% of total export value, while numerous smaller partners held modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of dried shelled legumes into Poland showed notable volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point was in 2017, followed by a peak in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, imports totaled 48 926 tons, a 2.6% decrease from 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 50 255 tons, and the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 112.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Ukraine, Canada, and Lithuania were the primary suppliers of dried shelled legumes to Poland by volume. Ukraine contributed 37.8% of imports, Canada 9.8%, and Lithuania 8.5%. Together, these three countries made up 56.0% of Poland's total import volume.

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

The value of dried shelled legumes imports into Poland increased for the third year in a row in 2020. Imports reached 33 654 thousand US dollars, up 20.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 71.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms were sourced from a diverse range of countries. Ukraine was the largest supplier with 15.9% of import value, followed by Canada at 10.9% and China at 10.7%. These three partners together accounted for 37.6% of total import value, reflecting a fragmented supplier base.

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

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