Polish Meat and Poultry Set to Enter the U.S. Market

Poland’s beef, pork, and poultry producers are eyeing the U.S. market with a focus on promoting their products under the banner of “Meat with European Quality.” While beef from Poland is not yet exported to the U.S., Polish pork has been a significant player in the American market, with the U.S. being Poland’s top destination for pork exports by value. Poland’s poultry producers have recently gained approval to begin exporting to the U.S., expanding their reach further.

Pork: A Strong Presence in the U.S.

The U.S. is Poland’s fifth-largest market for pork in terms of volume, but the most lucrative by Euro value, with over 58 million Euros in sales from January to September 2021. The Polish pork industry is known for its high standards in breeding, production, and processing. UPEMI (Union of Producers and Employers of the Meat Industry) is working to raise awareness in the U.S. of the diverse and high-quality pork products beyond the well-known kielbasa (which in Poland is a broad term for many types of sausage).

The Polish government and UPEMI highlight the superior quality of Polish pork, beef, and poultry, backed by the country’s long-standing European Union membership, which ensures products meet rigorous EU standards on animal welfare and environmental sustainability. UPEMI’s campaign, “Meat with European Quality,” emphasizes Poland’s dedication to exceptional taste, versatile products, and the ongoing improvement of production processes.

Challenges and Opportunities in the U.S. Market

Although Polish meat products are well-established in Europe, UPEMI aims to introduce more U.S. consumers to the breadth of Poland’s pork offerings, including various cuts and preparation methods. The campaign also seeks to shed light on Poland’s sustainable farming practices and the benefits of EU-regulated meat production.

As the global food landscape shifts toward plant-based and flexitarian diets, Polish producers are navigating similar trends in Poland. In response to the rise in plant-based eating, Polish producers are focusing on offering higher-quality cuts and premium products. This shift mirrors trends in the U.S., where consumers have been opting for more premium, high-quality meats or experimenting with exotic proteins like lamb and bison.

Inflation and the Meat Industry

Despite rising meat prices, which have increased by 50% in Poland over the past year, Polish meat producers remain confident about the U.S. market’s potential. The U.S. meat industry, despite inflation, continues to see strong demand for high-quality products. This is seen in the continued popularity of meat, particularly as consumers look for premium options that provide value and unique taste experiences.

Poland’s strategy to expand its meat exports to the U.S. hinges on educating consumers about the diverse offerings and the European quality standards that define its meat production, positioning Poland as a leader in premium pork and poultry products. As the U.S. market becomes more competitive with various international players, Poland’s emphasis on quality, sustainability, and innovation in its meat offerings could make a significant impact.