Poles do not save on diet catering: over 3 billion PLN was spent in 2023
Karolina Szałas
Senior Analyst
In 2023, the diet catering market in Poland grew at a rate of nearly 19% year-over-year, with its value exceeding 3 billion PLN, according to the latest report by PMR titled “Diet catering market in Poland 2024.” PMR’s forecasts indicate that the nominal market growth rate will be lower throughout the 2024-2029 forecast horizon compared to 2023, influenced by factors such as a slowdown in the rate of price increases and demand stimulated by consumer behavior.
The year 2023 reinforced consumer trends in diet catering
The year 2023 showed that despite rising prices, Poles did not cut back on balanced meals and convenience, with the percentage of Poles using diet catering services remaining steady at 13-14% since 2021.
Although real sales value did not increase significantly in 2023, nominal sales value grew by nearly 19% year-over-year, surpassing the 3 billion PLN mark. Inflation played a significant role in this substantial market growth.
Market forecasts for box diet market in Poland indicate that this segment will continue to develop dynamically in the coming years, with an increasing number of people interested in such solutions, supported by favorable demographic trends. The growing availability of various diet catering options, even in smaller towns, will contribute to greater market penetration and the acquisition of new customers.
More data on the current situation of the Polish diet catering market can be found in the PMR report:
Diet catering market in Poland 2024. Market analysis and development forecasts for 2024-2029.
Poles using diet catering are more likely to use HoReCa services
According to a PMR study, in 2023, diet catering users more frequently utilized various forms of HoReCa services compared to the general population using HoReCa. They were more inclined to use different dining options outside the home, indicating higher engagement with hospitality and food services. The most significant difference was seen in ordering meals for delivery, with a 15 percentage point advantage for diet catering consumers.
This trend complements the most preferred time frame for using diet catering—55% of Poles using diet catering choose a diet plan from Monday to Friday. It can be expected that they use HoReCa services on weekends.
Using HoReCa services by diet catering users in 2023 in Poland, April-May 2024
| HoReCa users | Diet catering users | |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption of meals and beverages out at restaurants, fast-food bars and other food service establishments | 85% | 86% |
| Buying takeaway food at restaurants, fast-food bars, etc. | 69% | 75% |
| Ordering food delivery | 66% | 81% |
More data on the current situation of the Polish HoReCa market can be found in the PMR report:
HoReCa market in Poland 2024. Market analysis and development forecasts for 2024-2029.
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