Ice cream market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Polish ice cream market was shaped by growing consumer interest in craft and premium products, along with the popularity of family packs in supermarkets. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced market volume to 78 thousand tons as consumers shifted toward comfort foods, while supply chain issues and higher production costs constrained output.

After 2020, inflation and the impact of the war in Ukraine in 2022 led to significant price increases for ice cream. During this period, the plant-based segment expanded, and new brands like Good Lood entered the market, stimulating innovation. Imports and exports continued to grow, reflecting changes in trade patterns.

Throughout the full period, a sustained premiumization trend was evident, with producers introducing new flavors and collaborating with entertainment brands. Tighter packaging and labeling requirements, responding to greater consumer awareness of quality and ingredients, also emerged as market factors.

Production ice cream in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's ice cream production value declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 428.1 million US dollars, but then fell sharply to 343.3 million US dollars in 2020, marking a significant 19.8% decrease from the previous year. The strongest growth occurred in 2018, with an 18.9% increase.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland ranked 8th globally in ice cream production.

Top producers of ice cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of ice cream, 2017-2020

Poland's ice cream production volume declined for the second year in a row. Output peaked in 2018 at 214.0 thousand tonnes, but then dropped to 137.1 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a sharp 33.4% year-over-year decline. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, production fell by 24.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 8.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 18.0%.

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

Exports ice cream from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland's ice cream export volume grew for the third consecutive year. Exports reached 95 358 tonnes in 2020, up 14.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 97.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 25.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland's ice cream exports in volume terms were widely distributed across markets. Germany accounted for 27.7% of exports, Hungary for 9.6%, and France for 8.5%, together making up just 45.8% of total flows. The remaining 54.2% was spread among numerous other countries.

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 ice cream export value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 237.0 million US dollars, rising 17.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value grew by 126.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 31.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's ice cream exports in value terms showed a broad market spread. Germany held a 28.2% share, France 9.4%, and Hungary 8.4%, collectively accounting for only 46.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports ice cream to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's ice cream import volume rose for the third consecutive year. Imports totaled 36 255 tonnes in 2020, increasing by 22.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 72.4%, with an average annual rate of 19.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Poland's ice cream imports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. Germany supplied 23.6% of imports, Hungary 15.4%, and Lithuania 9.6%, together representing just 48.7% of 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, M $ US

Poland's ice cream import value increased for the third year running. In 2020, imports amounted to 92.0 million US dollars, up 18.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value rose by 76.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Hungary, and Lithuania were notable but not dominant suppliers of ice cream to Poland in value terms. Germany accounted for 27.3% of import value, Hungary for 12.7%, and Lithuania for 9.3%, with their combined share reaching only 49.3% of total imports.

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

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