Summary of the fruit season in Poland
Polish Fruit growers Association looked on the summaries of many international players in the fruit sector. The association made an extensive summary of all the remarks and posed two important points for the future of the Polish fruit industry.
First of all the Association wants to improve producers position within the food chain, especially as more and more fruits are being sold via big retail chains in Poland. The aim of this change is to work on more equal relation between both partners.
The second point is the extensive and detailed research of fruit market in the countries of interest for the Polish fruit growers. It should be the basis for new goals for the Polish fruit sector. Therefore a close analytical look will allow to identify needs of clients on foreign markets and adjust own production to fulfill those. The other alternative is to produce for the processing industry where since years a certain stagnation and lack of good prices is seen.
Polish fruit industry is suffering of lacking new varieties demanded by the consumers as well as lack of branding and proper fruit promotion. The no name products coming from Poland- even with excellent quality- have no chances with well promoted attractive products from other countries. If the sector won’t invest in promotion, soon Polish consumer will be encouraged to eat fruits from other countries- was the conclusion of the Association.
Covid-19
Last season was dominated by the effects of COVID-19 and the panic that initially sparked among producers, traders and consumers. Growers were mainly afraid of the lack of employees, especially from abroad, because they have been supporting this segment with their work for years. Traders suspended shipments and consumers were worried about their health, affecting purchases.
Trade
Consumers found that fruit consumption strengthened their immunity and significantly increased their purchases. This was especially visible in the sales of hard fruit, i.e. apples and pears. Sales increased by up to 20% compared to the same period in 2019. Unfortunately, this trend was not maintained in the second part of the season. Sales by supermarkets increased, while stalls and wholesale markets, which are a very important element in fruit trade in Poland, fell. Sales fell also in the HoReCa segment, as restaurants were closed again. This channel reduced purchases by up to 80%, which affected species such as raspberries, blackberries, red currants, strawberries and blueberries the most.
Chain stores dominate the fruit trade in Poland, and the pandemic has further increased their share in the fruit turnover. This deepens the crisis in relations with suppliers, results in lowering the purchase prices of fruit and imposing additional costs, such as marketing.
Eco fruits
On the other hand, the pandemic rapidly accelerated the development of fruit production with no residues of plant protection products and with an organic certificate. Many reports of foreign producers report that sales in this segment have increased significantly, mainly in Western Europe, where the customer is more affluent and can afford a higher cost of fruit.
The actions of the European Commission are also aimed to increase organic production, which in turn must translate into trade. Also outside the EU, such a trend can be seen in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China, i.e. where many manufacturers would like to export their products, which makes this type of production even more attractive. It is definitely an important trend from the point of view of the future of Polish fruit production.
Competition from the West and ... the East
Many companies and production groups from the West introduce large investments aimed at limiting price competition, and introducing qualitative ones: they introduce new cultivation technologies, marketing techniques, interesting (circular) packaging.
The production of fruit and vegetables in the East is also growing, from where food may be imported to the European Union countries in the near future. This year, cucumbers from Russia appeared on the German market. In the following years, along with the development of production, Poland may become an importer of cheap food from the East instead of - as now - the largest exporter of apples, blueberries or strawberries- is one of the conclusions of the Association.
Source: Polish Association of Fruit Growers