Smoked fish market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the smoked fish market volume in Poland showed notable fluctuations. After a 14% drop in 2019 to 23 000 t due to reduced catch and increased exports, the market grew by 34% in 2020 to 31 000 t. This growth was driven by higher demand for long‑shelf‑life products during the COVID‑19 pandemic, as well as a shift in filleting operations from China to Poland, which boosted local processing output.

In the following years, the market continued to develop, reaching 38 000 t in 2023. Retail chains such as Biedronka, Lidl and Aldi introduced new products with varied flavors, maintaining price stability. At the same time, rising consumer environmental awareness increased demand for MSC‑certified products, despite periodic challenges in sourcing certified raw material, for example for herring in the Baltic Sea.

Structural changes, including the acquisition of the Graal canned brand by Lisner in 2022, affected competitive dynamics. High production costs, such as wood for smoking and fish feed, put pressure on prices, but the market showed resilience thanks to assortment diversification and steady consumer interest in healthy and innovative smoked fish options.

Production smoked fish in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Poland's smoked fish production was valued at 1 205 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 9.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 21.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.1%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 13.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Poland's smoked fish production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 95 508 tonnes of smoked fish, showing a robust year-on-year growth of 16.2%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.8%.

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

Exports smoked fish from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Smoked fish exports from Poland grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 65 317 tonnes, up by 8.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France were the largest buyers of smoked fish from Poland in terms of volume. Germany accounted for 66.4% of exports, Italy for 10.3%, and France for 9.2%. Together, these three countries made up 85.9% of Poland's total smoked fish exports by volume.

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

Smoked fish exports from Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value amounted to 987.0 million US dollars, reflecting a limited rise of 3.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and France were the primary destinations for Poland's smoked fish exports in value terms. Germany held a 67.8% share, Italy 11.2%, and France 9.3%. Combined, these three markets represented 88.3% of the 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 smoked fish to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Imports of smoked fish into Poland declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 702 tonnes, indicating an abrupt year-on-year drop of 30.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 60.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 26.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Norway, and Ireland were the key sources for Poland's smoked fish imports by volume, together accounting for 76.5% of total imports.

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

Smoked fish imports into Poland fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 8.1 million US dollars, showing a decrease of 40.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 67%, with a compound annual decline rate of 30.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Ireland, and Norway remained the main markets for Poland's smoked fish imports in value terms. Germany contributed 53.4% of the import value, Ireland 15.9%, and Norway 13.3%. Collectively, these three countries made up 82.7% of total import flows.

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

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