Export Is Changing Direction. Why the Polish Food Industry Is Looking to Africa

Just over a decade ago, discussions about food exports focused primarily on the European Union, North America and Asia. Today, the global trade landscape is changing rapidly. More and more exporters are turning their attention to Africa—a continent that not only has the world's fastest-growing population but is also undergoing one of the most dynamic economic transformations of our time. A growing middle class, rapid urbanization, increasing purchasing power and significant investments in trade and logistics are making many African countries attractive destinations for food exporters worldwide.

This is a market with enormous potential, but also one that requires careful preparation. The diversity of individual countries, varying consumer preferences, trade regulations and the importance of building local business relationships mean that export success does not begin with the first shipment. It begins much earlier—with understanding the market, identifying its needs and meeting the right business partners.

Poland Has Everything It Takes to Compete Successfully in African Markets

The growing competitiveness of Polish food producers enables them to look with increasing confidence towards new export destinations, including Africa. As Filip Bittner, Vice President of the Management Board of Grupa MTP, emphasizes:

"The Polish agri-food sector has been steadily strengthening its position in global trade for many years. The value of Polish food exports continues to grow, and our products are now present in more than 180 countries. Our competitive advantage is not based solely on price. It stems above all from high product quality, modern production facilities, rigorous food safety standards and the flexibility of Polish manufacturers, who are able to respond to the expectations of diverse international markets."

 

 

 

At the same time, more and more companies recognize that maintaining export growth requires diversification. In the face of geopolitical changes and increasing competition in mature Western European markets, Africa is becoming one of the most promising regions for future expansion. For many Polish businesses, it is no longer an emerging market of the future but a realistic business destination for the years ahead.

Africa Food & Trade Forum – Responding to the New Challenges of Global Trade

With the goal of strengthening trade relations between Poland and African countries, this year's edition of POLAGRA will host the inaugural Africa Food & Trade Forum—a new international business event dedicated to developing economic cooperation in the agri-food sector.

The forum has been designed as a meeting place for representatives of public administration, export support institutions, business organizations, importers and trading partners from selected African countries. The programme will include market presentations, discussions on export support instruments, as well as the Polish Food Export Showcase, where Polish producers will present their products directly to international buyers. The event will conclude with dedicated B2B meetings, creating opportunities to initiate concrete business negotiations.

Although international trade is increasingly supported by digital platforms, face-to-face meetings remain essential in global business—particularly in developing markets, where trust and long-term relationships continue to be the foundation of successful cooperation.

This is precisely the mission of Africa Food & Trade Forum. The event goes beyond sharing market knowledge. It creates opportunities for producers and importers to meet, better understand local market expectations and begin building business relationships that may ultimately result in long-term export contracts.

The launch of the Forum is not a one-off initiative but another important step in POLAGRA's long-term strategy to support the internationalization of the Polish food industry. For years, POLAGRA has successfully implemented the concept of reverse export through its Hosted Buyers Programme, inviting carefully selected importers, distributors and retail buyers from around the world to Poznań to meet with Polish food producers. Africa Food & Trade Forum builds on this proven concept by focusing on one of the world's most promising regions and creating a cooperation platform that brings together business, public administration and institutions responsible for export development.