Polish agriculture minister visits PH, highlights PH as key market
By Marinel E. Peroy
Poland is looking to strengthen its agricultural partnership with the Philippines as Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Stefan Krajewski led a high-level trade mission to Manila, highlighting opportunities in meat exports while introducing Filipino buyers to a broader range of Polish food products.
Held at Ascott-BGC on July 28, the event brought together Polish exporters, Philippine importers, and industry stakeholders for business matching sessions aimed at expanding bilateral trade.
The visit comes ahead of a milestone for Poland’s food industry. On July 29, Minister Krajewski officially inaugurated Poland’s first national pavilion at WOFEX Manila, marking the country’s largest coordinated participation in the Philippines’ premier food and hospitality exhibition.
Krajewski said the Philippines has become an increasingly important market for Polish agriculture because of its growing population, expanding middle class and rising demand for imported food products. Poland exported more than €81 million worth of agri-food products to the Philippines in 2025, with the country viewing Southeast Asia as a strategic region for long-term export growth.
While meat remains a major focus of the trade mission, the minister told THEPHILBIZNEWS that Poland’s appeal goes beyond competitive pricing (as translated by the minister’s official interpreter Ms. Monika Pienkosz).
“The Polish competitive edge here would be the relation between the price and the quality. The price is very attractive. However, the quality is of utmost importance.”
He added that Poland’s food industry has consistently met rigorous inspection and quality standards, giving international buyers confidence in the country’s agricultural products.
The forum, moreover, featured presentations from leaders across Poland’s agriculture sector, including the Union of Producers and Employers of Meat Industry (UPEMI) and the National Support Center for Agriculture (KOWR).
Discussions focused on opportunities to expand cooperation in beef, pork and other agricultural products, followed by B2B meetings connecting Polish suppliers with Philippine importers.
A cooking demonstration and food tasting showcasing Polish ingredients also allowed guests to experience the country’s products firsthand.
Although meat has been at the center of Poland’s export strategy, Krajewski encouraged buyers to view the country’s food industry more broadly. “We’re not talking about meat only. We have a number of other products which can really attract customers in the Philippines.”
He said the Polish pavilion at WOFEX showcased Polish products and their decades of experience in international markets.
“These are companies that have been in the market for a very long time and they have extensive experience. They are reliable partners.”
Beyond trade and commerce, the minister framed the visit as an opportunity to deepen the relationship between Poland and the Philippines through shared values and a mutual appreciation for good food.
“The shortest way to the heart is through the stomach.”
Despite the long distance between both countries, Krajewski said food has the power to bridge cultures.
“We can still speak the same language on the table. We can speak the language of hospitality and respect for good food,” he added.
The minister also hinted that Filipino shoppers can expect to see more than just premium meat in the future. “I do hope that consumers will very shortly be able to enjoy the very amazing flavor of Polish apples,” he concluded, noting the incredible mangoes they export directly from the Philippines.
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