OSI Poland looks to target Italy for exports of beef
The firm, which exhibited at the Parma Food Fair in Italy earlier this month, produced more than 13,000 tonnes (t) of beef last year, and is among Poland’s largest producers.
Piotr Antkowiak, managing director, said the firm was fairly new to the Italian market, but that last year its share of exports to the country represented 3% of Polish beef exports to Italy.
OSI Poland said it mainly exports to the European Union, but also sells beef quarters to various parts of Asia and Africa.
Adrian Piotrowski, trade director, said: "We mainly export beef quarters to Italy, but the sale figures are increasing steadily. In the first quarter we exported 750t of products, which is a 300% increase in comparison to a corresponding period in 2013. This year’s fair surprised us, with a lot of interest directed at portioned steaks. The domestic on-trade market still prefers to purchase entire elements."
He said that, in Italy, the Polish beef offer has been acknowledged as similar to France, as the country breeds cattle in traditional ways. "Throughout the year, we plan to increase export to Italy by 50%," he added.
