Poland among the largest exporters of food products in the world
The food sector is one of the most important branches of Polish economy and products of domestic companies are becoming more and more popular on foreign markets.
Poland is also the largest producer of fruit (apples, cherries, raspberries, currants and blueberries) in the European Union. It is also one of the leading producers of cheese. In this respect, we rank fifth in the EU and sixth in the world.
The purpose of Poland’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is to build a positive image and awareness of Polish food brands in the international arena.
During Expo 2020 Dubai, the largest food fair in the world took place – Gulfood (13 February – 17 February 2022). 120 countries took part in the event and the number of visitors was approximately 93 thousand people. 50 exhibitors from Poland were present at Gulfood. Among them, there were individual entrepreneurs, supported by ELTAR, as well as Polish producers and exporters promoting their products under the “Poland Tastes Good” brand of the National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR).
In the Poland Pavilion, in the “Poland. Inspired by nature” zone, the visitors can learn about the achievements of Polish companies in the food sector. The companies are large economic entities as well as local enterprises – including Mlekpol, Hultaj, Cheesemaker’s Treasures, Piekarnie Lubaszka, Miód od Kulmy, Herbapol-Lublin or Dary Natury.
One of the companies from the food industry that presents its achievements at Expo 2020 Dubai is Hultaj – a Polish producer of ready-to-drink compotes. The drinks taste like homemade preserves and bring to mind what has been present on Polish tables for generations. To produce its compotes, Hultaj uses cherries, apples, raspberries or pears – and the fruit comes from local fruit growers and suppliers. Cheesemaker’s Treasures, which is part of Spomlek Dairy Cooperative (Spółdzielcza Mleczarnia “Spomlek”) in Radzyń Podlaski, is also present at the World Exhibition in Dubai. It is one of the largest Polish producers of cheese, operating on the market since 1909. Consumers are particularly interested in noble cheese, which is a permanent element of the company’s offer.
Bogutti – a company that participates in the Partnership Programme organised and implemented by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency – also marks its presence at Expo 2020 Dubai. It is a manufacturer of fudges (“krówki”) and biscuits which can be found on shop shelves in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. Polish fudges are recognisable Polish products even in the most remote corners of the world. The caramel-coloured sweets with a soft, malleable body are also available on shop shelves in the United States, France, Germany, Great Britain, Armenia and Mongolia. The Polish confectionery company from Mazovia is developing rapidly and conquering new markets. The company’s exports already account for 60% of its sales. The highest quality of Bogutti products is confirmed by BRC Food and IFS Food certificates.
The fudges have a history of over 100 years and they are included in the list of Polish traditional products of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the “Bakery and confectionery products” category. The originator and promoter of fudges was Felix Pomorski. In 1921, this entrepreneur from Wielkopolska founded a confectionery factory that became famous for its sweets wrapped in paper with an image of a cow.
Gulfood trade fair with the participation of Polish exhibitors
The trade fair in Gulfood is the most important event for the food industry in the Middle East region. The 27th edition of this event took place in 2022. Polish companies from the food sector actively promoted their products and their representatives established new business contacts with contractors from countries from the Middle East as well as from other parts of the world – including Asia and Africa.
Polish companies promoted themselves in three industry halls. The main stand of the National Support Centre for Agriculture was located in the World Food zone. Polish entrepreneurs were also present in the hall with dairy products and in the hall with beverages. Sweets, honey, caviar, gluten-free bakery products, spices, dairy and meat products, juices and soft drinks were promoted during the trade fair in Gulfood. At the main Polish stand, the visitors could taste traditional Polish dishes as part of culinary shows organised by the National Support Centre for Agriculture. During this year’s trade fair, the Polish national stand was visited by the Commissioner General of the Poland Pavilion, Adrian Malinowski.
Polish flavours in the Poland Pavilion
Polish flavours are also present in the Poland Pavilion every day. The participants of the World Exhibition have the opportunity to taste the specialities of the cuisine served by the restaurant “Poland. Garden of Flavours”. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes – from Baltic cod, through Kuyavian dumplings, to the traditional sour rye soup. The guests from all over the world can notice that Polish cuisine is extremely varied and rich in flavours. It is a combination of Eastern and Western culinary traditions and ingredients.
