The Rise of Polish Dairy in the Korean Market
Foreign dairy products are increasingly making their way onto Korean tables, challenging domestic producers. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, imports of milk and cream, including UHT milk, reached 90,000 tons last year—an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. This surge is driven by the affordability and quality of foreign dairy products such as skimmed milk powder, butter, cheese, and ice cream, which are steadily capturing market share.
Among these, Polish dairy has emerged as a standout. Since entering the Korean market in 2022 with UHT and pasteurized milk, Poland’s exports have nearly doubled in just two years. Last year, 90% of the UHT milk imported into South Korea came from Poland. This rapid growth is attributed to the high quality and competitive pricing of Polish dairy products.
Competitive Pricing and Quality
Polish UHT milk is priced at $0.75 per kilogram, which is lower than Germany ($0.83/kg), France ($0.97/kg), and Austria ($0.98/kg). This cost advantage, combined with the superior quality of Polish dairy, has helped the country gain a strong foothold in the Korean market.
Anna Lagodzinska, head of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency’s Seoul office, shared insights on the success of Polish dairy in South Korea. She highlighted that since 2022, the export volume of milk and cream products increased from 23,834 tons to 43,789 tons last year—a rise of 84%. Export value also nearly doubled, from $16.82 million to $33.02 million. By May this year, exports had already reached 12,788 tons and $9.58 million.
Strengths of Polish Dairy Products
Compared to other EU countries like Germany and France, Poland maintains a connection to less industrialized production systems. Cows are often grazed on open meadows, enhancing the flavor and nutritional profile of the milk. Polish dairy products use fewer synthetic feed additives and rely more on natural roughage such as pasture grass, hay, and silage. This results in milk with a clean, natural taste and a strong nutritional profile—richer in omega-3 fatty acids and CLA.
Poland also offers a diverse portfolio of dairy products, including unique regional cheeses made according to traditional recipes, such as soft, fresh, or smoked varieties. Milk quality is carefully monitored at every stage, with each batch tested for antibiotic residues, fat and protein content, and somatic cell counts. Feeding practices and animal health are managed under strict standards, allowing Polish producers to deliver premium-quality dairy at an accessible price point.
Quality Standards and Certifications
Polish dairy production adheres strictly to European Union regulations, known for being among the most rigorous in the world regarding food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection. All Polish farms follow Global G.A.P. standards, ensuring animal welfare, feed safety, and hygiene. Processing facilities widely adopt HACCP and ISO 22000 certifications.
Products with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) or Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) labels, such as Oscypek (a traditional smoked cheese), further underline the commitment to quality and authenticity.
Maintaining High Quality
The secret to maintaining high quality lies in multiple factors coming together. Strict quality monitoring systems are applied throughout the entire production process. Regular milk testing, rigorous factory sanitation protocols, and ongoing training and support for farmers and producers contribute to this success.
One initiative that stands out is the “Drop of Excellence” program, a three-year project promoting quality enhancement by encouraging responsible practices at the farm level. Led by the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers (PFHBiPM) and jointly funded by the European Union, it focuses on education and environmental awareness.
Goals for the South Korean Market
Poland views South Korea as a dynamic and high-potential market for dairy exports. Beyond simply introducing Polish dairy products, the goal is to foster long-term consumer understanding and build trust. Efforts include promoting ways to enjoy and prepare Polish dairy products while offering ideas on how to incorporate cheese, yogurt, and buttermilk into popular Korean dishes.
Engagement through tasting events, chef demonstrations, and cooking workshops both online and offline helps South Korean consumers better understand product labels, food safety systems, and the strengths of Polish dairy. The strategy is to cultivate familiarity and affection for Polish dairy products.
Other Popular Polish Products in South Korea
Besides dairy, Polish confectionery brands such as Wedel, Wawel, and Colian have gained popularity on e-commerce platforms like Coupang. Following the resumption of pork exports last year and poultry exports earlier this year, Polish meat products continue to make inroads into the South Korean market. Pork, in particular, is highly competitive due to its price and quality.
Other major Polish exports to South Korea include cosmetics, marine equipment, IT services, and defense industry products. South Korea is currently reviewing the acquisition of Polish drones as part of broader defense cooperation, alongside ongoing arms trade between the two countries.
Final Remarks
Over the past few years, a wide range of Polish products—from dairy and chocolate to cosmetics and advanced industrial goods—have earned the trust and affection of South Korean consumers. Poland remains committed to offering products that meet the European Union’s high standards, combining quality, competitive pricing, and sustainable values for South Korean consumers.
To South Korean investors, Poland is not just a trading partner but a gateway to the European Union. With a robust economy, a skilled workforce, and a strong spirit of cooperation, Poland offers a wealth of opportunities for long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.