Food preparations for infants market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for infant food preparations in Poland grew from 47 012 t to 56 933 t in physical terms and from 75.7 million US dollars to 131.5 million US dollars in value. This expansion coincided with generally rising consumer expectations for product quality and safety, as well as greater openness to innovative and new product categories.

A shift occurred from 2021, when the market volume fell to 36 674 t, though its value rose to 152.1 million US dollars. That year saw the introduction of new national infant feeding guidelines in Poland, which updated recommendations for introducing potentially allergenic foods. This regulatory change likely altered consumer demand and formulation requirements for manufacturers.

By 2024, the market had declined further to 27 114 t and 70.9 million US dollars. Several factors were at play: the impending EU Regulation 2024/1003, which from 2025 lowers permitted levels of 3-MCPD in infant food, necessitating production adjustments; a new Polish ordinance on fortifying substances enacted in March 2024; and global supply constraints for dairy-based raw materials due to droughts and disease in Europe. Concurrently, consumer preferences continued shifting toward organic and innovative products, while discount chains strengthened their position as a key sales channel.

Production food preparations for infants in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of infant food preparations has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 245.8 million US dollars, marking a 0.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual increase of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 269.7 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with an 8.0% decline, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 12.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Poland ranked as the 4th largest producer of infant food preparations from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

World map of production of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

Poland's production volume of infant food preparations has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 81 728 tonnes, representing an 8.0% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 7.2%, averaging a 2.3% annual growth rate. The peak volume was in 2018, reaching 92 097 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 20.8%.

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

Exports food preparations for infants from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland's exports of infant food preparations have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume stood at 53 373 tonnes, a 10.2% reduction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 3.2%, averaging a 1.1% annual decline. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 60 393 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 9.5%.

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

The country composition of Poland's exports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was highly dispersed. Germany accounted for 18.6% of exports, Ireland for 10.6%, and Turkey for 10.4%, together making up just 39.6% of total flows. The remaining 60.4% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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, M $ US

Poland's exports of infant food preparations in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 253.9 million US dollars, a 1.8% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6.4%, averaging a 2.1% annual growth rate. The peak value was in 2018 at 274.5 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.8% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 15.1%.

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

The structure of Poland's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. Germany represented 17.6% of exports, Turkey 9.1%, and China 7.9%, together accounting for only 34.6% of total flows. The remaining 65.4% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports food preparations for infants to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's imports of infant food preparations have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 28 577 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 42.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 194%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands were the leading sources for Poland's imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 30.8% of imports, Ireland for 28.9%, and the Netherlands for 18.5%, together representing 78.2% of total 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, M $ US

Poland's imports of infant food preparations in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 139.6 million US dollars, an increase of 38.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 178.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 40.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands stood out as the main markets for Poland's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 36.7% of imports, Ireland for 20.7%, and the Netherlands for 20.7%, together making up 78.1% of total flows.

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

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