Bio food market grew by over 20% in 2020
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has partially paralysed trade in physical units, it has not harmed the bio food segment, which grew in 2020 at a rate several times higher than the overall food market in general, according to PMR’s latest report “Bio food market in Poland 2021: growth forecasts for 2021-2026”. In the years 2021-2026, the average annual growth rate (CAGR) for the organic food market will be close to 10%.
Nearly 1 in 10 Poles buy organic food regularly
The Polish bio food market will follow the western trends and its share in the food market will grow. The positive influences on the market include the growing health awareness of Poles, expanding range of bio products (especially in large-format stores), as well as a large number of promotions of bio/eco/vege products by food chains.
According to a PMR study conducted in July 2021 on a representative sample of 1,032 Poles, around 8% buy organic food on every or almost every grocery shopping occasion. This group is predominantly younger (18-34 years old), with higher education, residents of cities with a population of 200-499k, and from middle-income groups. Frequency of organic food shopping is also correlated with the level of education. Only 4% of people with lower education buy organic food every or almost every time they shop, and as many as 35% do not buy it at all.
Discounters the most common shopping destination
A quarter of Poles surveyed by PMR declare that currently they buy organic/eco food more frequently than a year ago. Organic food is more popular among men and younger people – i.e. people from groups where bio products are bought by a lower percentage of respondents than overall.
Discount stores are the largest channel not only on the grocery market in Poland but also on the organic food market. According to a survey conducted by PMR, over half of the people buying organic food buy it mostly at discount stores. Private labels of organic food, such as GoBio (Biedronka) and BioOrganic (Lidl) are also the most popular among buyers of organic food.
Methodological clarification:
By bio food we mean products with a certificate of organic origin, e.g. products with an EU green leaf certificate. The market value is given in net retail prices. The market value includes sales in hypermarkets, supermarkets, proximity supermarkets, discount stores, small grocery stores (including convenience stores) and alternative channels (specialty stores, internet, gas stations, etc.).
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