Poland ranks second in the production of ducks in the European Union
Poland is the second producer of ducks in the European Union, with about 20 percent share in the EU production of this poultry species. polish duck production has shown an upward trend since 2013.
Poultry sector is one of the most important branches of domestic agricultural production, and Poland has been the largest poultry producer in the European Union since 2014. The structure of domestic production and exports is dominated by chicken and turkey poultry, but duck production is also gaining economic importance. A large proportion of duck production is exported, primarily to EU countries. There is also growing demand from domestic consumers.
Qualities and use of duck meat
The dominant breed of ducks reared in Poland is Pekin. Ducks of this breed are characterized by: a short broiler production cycle, low nutritional requirements, significant healthiness and high meat content. Dishes based on duck meat are a permanent element of culinary traditions in all regions of Poland.
The growing consumer interest in duck meat is due to its culinary and health qualities. Duck meat is juicy and tender. It contains large quantities of easily assimilable protein and is easily digestible. The health properties of duck meat are also due to its content of vitamins from the B group as well as A and E. Duck meat is also rich in micro- and macroelements and is a source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
Domestic production of ducks
Duck production in Poland is characterized by a very high growth dynamics. The domestic stock of ducks numbers around 6.5 million birds. In regional perspective, production is located mainly in the Wielkopolskie Voivodship (2.8 million ducks; 44% of the national production volume) and in the Łódzkie Voivodship (nearly 1 million ducks; 15%).
Polish duck meat exports
Foreign sales of duck meat from Poland are characterized by a constant upward trend in terms of revenue. The value of foreign sales of duck meat has increased from EUR 6 to EUR 46 million, i.e. by nearly 7 times. Preliminary estimates indicate that in 2021 the upward trend in exports will be maintained. In the first half of last year, domestic entrepreneurs sold duck meat worth EUR 36 million abroad compared to EUR 21 million obtained in the same period in 2020. Polish duck meat primarily reaches the tables of consumers in EU countries. In 2021, around 99% of the revenue generated from exports came from sales to EU countries. Germany was the main recipient of Polish duck meat on the EU market (EUR 21 million; 46% share in Polish exports). Great Britain (EUR 5 million; 11%) and France (EUR 3 million; 7%) were also important destinations for duck meat sales, as well as Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Denmark (EUR 2.7 million; 6% each). Outside the European Union, the highest revenues were generated from duck meat sales to Switzerland (EUR 0.3 million) and Hong Kong (EUR 0.1 million).
Duck meat imports to Poland
The import of duck meat to Poland is small. In 2012–2020, the expenditure incurred for this purpose was at the level of EUR 0.53–1.22 million. In 2020, this product was imported to Poland mainly from Germany (EUR 181 thousand; 34% share in Polish imports) and Hungary (EUR 149 thousand; 28%). The Czech Republic (EUR 94 thousand; 18%) and France (EUR 93 thousand; 18%) were slightly smaller exporters of duck meat to Poland.
Source: Polish food