Poland has potential but consumers are conservative
Looking eastward, food manufacturers face a tougher market in Poland where as many as two thirds of consumers surveyed told Mintel researchers they do not eat vegetarian products, and the country accounts for a minor share of meat alternatives launched worldwide.
But there is potential for this to grow, says the market research company, especially among younger consumers who are more receptive to widening their food repertoire.
But the reason behind such “flat consumption” of meat substitutes in Poland could also be down to the limited distribution and availability, according to Mintel analyst Honorata Jarocka.
Polsoja is the most well-known domestic brand, and sells in both large-scale supermarkets and health food shops.
Meanwhile some Polish meat processors are following the lead of German meat companies, and have launched meat substitutes. Balcerzak i Spółka has a range of sausages and meat slices called Veggie Day, while other leading meat processor Zakłady Mięsne Silesia is also looking into launching a vegetarian line.
The president of Zakłady Mięsne Silesia, Krzysztof Woźnica, told Polish business publication Puls Biznesu: “Certainly it will not be easy to widely introduce it on the Polish market because our consumers are conservative. We will need a lot of time to convince them of such a novelty.”
But, Woźnica added, Poland’s meat market is already saturated and so money-making opportunities lies in niche categories.
Photo: Mintel