Whisky Becomes Poland’s Fastest-Growing Alcohol Export
Polish whisky exports surged to 197 million zloty (€46.3 million) in 2024, a fivefold rise from 40 million zloty in 2021. This rapid growth makes whisky Poland’s fastest-growing alcohol export.
Vodka Still Leads in Export Value
Despite whisky’s rise, vodka remains the top exported spirit from Poland, generating nearly 900 million zloty in foreign sales last year.
Growth of the Polish Spirits Industry
Over the past decade, Poland's spirits export value has increased by an average of 11% annually, reaching 2.4 billion zloty in 2024—surpassing the combined export value of milk, cream, and yoghurt.
Key markets include:
- France
- United States
- Hungary
- United Kingdom
- Germany
Diversification of Polish Spirits Exports
The Polish Spirits Industry Employers’ Association (ZPPPS) highlights a shift in export composition. Vodka's share of exported spirits declined from about 80% in 2002 to around 38% in 2024. Whisky now represents 8.2% of Polish spirits exports.
Notable Whisky Brand
Paprocky Whisky, produced by the family-owned Bartex Bartol in Tomyśl, western Poland, stands out in this category. Its Paprocky Single Barrel received a silver medal in the world whisky category at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge, a major global blind-tasting contest.
"Poland’s spirits exports, long dominated by vodka, are becoming increasingly varied and diversified," states the ZPPPS report.
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Author's summary: Polish whisky exports have skyrocketed fivefold since 2021, marking a significant diversification in Poland's traditionally vodka-dominated spirits market.