Polish consumer trends show rising food waste and price sensitivity

Recent reports highlight significant shifts in Polish consumer behavior regarding food waste and purchasing priorities. According to the Polish Food Banks Federation, 63% of Poles admit to throwing away food. The most frequently wasted items include bread (53%), fruit (47%), vegetables (45%), cold cuts (39%), and yogurt (25%). Common reasons for waste include missed expiration dates, improper storage, and purchasing excessive quantities. In response, Kaufland has launched the “Marnowanie? Nie mam w planie!” campaign, promoting the use of products with minor aesthetic imperfections and establishing “Green Zones” in stores for items nearing their expiration dates.

Simultaneously, a report by the Polish Promotional Emblem Foundation indicates a shift in shopping criteria. Price has overtaken quality as the primary concern for consumers, with 88.5% citing price as their most important factor compared to 76.1% for quality. This marks a reversal from previous years when quality was the leading priority. Additionally, there is a declining willingness to pay extra for high-quality products; the percentage of respondents willing to pay a premium dropped from 82.9% in 2024 to 59.2% in the latest measurement. Despite this, 82.8% of respondents expressed a preference for buying Polish products.