Poland’s biggest supermarket is showcasing a range of Colombian foods as part of its Acción Colombia initiative

Biedronka1

Biedronka is Poland’s biggest supermarket

The colours and flavours of Colombia will take centre stage from 9-14 June in Poland’s largest retail chain, Biedronka.

As part of the Acción Colombia initiative, the supermarket will offer its customers a range of Colombia’s finest food, including plantain and yucca chips, herbal teas, guava jelly, coffee, dehydrated and chocolate-covered fruits, coconut candies, hammocks, sweets, and other confectioneries.

Poland is becoming an increasingly important market for Colombian exporters. In 2017, it was the 50th most popular destination for Colombian products, but in 2022, it jumped to 34th place. Today, it is one of the top 10 destinations in Europe. The value of Colombian exports has doubled in that time, reaching US$56m in 2022.

And projections are favourable, especially for the agribusiness sector. Carmen Caballero, president of trade promotion agency ProColombia, commented: “We are supporting these Colombian companies that are sending 39 containers full of over 20 products that have the potential to increase their participation in the Polish market, a destination that has been gaining relevance in our strategy of bringing Colombian supply closer to international demand, because for the last five years it has been increasing its food purchases from around the world.”

Sylwia Bucka, brand development director responsible for the Colombian offer in the Biedronka chain, said: “Biedronka decided to bring Colombia closer to its customers and was the only chain on the Polish market to introduce such an exotic themed action.

“In order to introduce our customers to flavours and handicrafts that are completely different from European ones, we have introduced a wide Colombian offer. We not only want to expand the taste experience of our customers, but also to enable them to purchase distinctive products that are usually brought back from exotic journeys, such as handmade Colombian hammocks.”

According to Trademap data, Poland’s imports increased from US$267.7bn in 2018 to US$358.6bn in 2022, an increase of more than 30 per cent. During this period, purchases of agricultural products grew 42 per cent, these mainly coming from Germany and the Netherlands.