Polish cosmetics conquer Italy

The history of the Polish cosmetics industry dates back to the 20s of the last century. In a short time, family businesses and large enterprises were established, laying the foundations for the future success of the industry. Some of them are still in operation today, combining modern solutions with a hundred years of tradition and experience. The openness of Polish manufacturers to market needs, adjusting their offer to customer expectations, as well as ingenuity and an innovative approach have allowed Poland to become the leader of the cosmetics industry in Central and Eastern Europe in the following decades, and over time also one of the leading manufacturers of cosmetics on the Old Continent.

Poland - both from the perspective of manufacturers and consumers - stands out from other markets. We are characterized by the high quality of our manufactured products and their cost and price competitiveness. Year by year, we are gaining an increasing share in foreign markets, among other things, thanks to our favorable geographical location and developed transport infrastructure. The dynamic development of the cosmetics sector in Poland is supported by investments in research and development and modern technologies, which contributes to increasing the competitiveness of Polish products. All this is conducive to the export of cosmetics from Poland to various parts of the world - commented Justyna Żerańska, PhD, Eng., Director General of the Polish Association of the Cosmetics Industry.

The Polish cosmetics industry in numbers

According to the Polish Association of the Cosmetics Industry (PZPK), in 2023 the Polish cosmetics market was worth over PLN 25 billion, and by 2028 it may reach a value close to PLN 30 billion. Experts are optimistic about the future, predicting further growth of PLN 0.8 billion per year.

According to PZPK data, Poland is responsible for 5.5 percent of the gross value added of the cosmetics market in the European Union. This puts us at the forefront - next to countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain. In terms of share in exports, we are fifth in the EU (8 per cent) and ninth in the world (3.8 per cent). 65 per cent of cosmetics exported from Poland go to the European Union market, and the remaining 35 per cent outside its territory.

Polish cosmetics unique in the world

The Polish cosmetics sector has gained global recognition thanks to its comprehensive approach and wide range of products, including high-quality cosmetics and all categories of white and coloured products. This success is also due to the marriage of tradition and science. In addition to a century of experience, the industry draws on current research and development. Numerous scientific institutions are responsible for educating staff in accordance with modern trends, with courses in the field of cosmetology and cosmetic chemistry in their curricula.

As a result, the Polish cosmetics industry today consists of over 1300 manufacturers - from large enterprises to micro-entrepreneurs. They create around 65,000 jobs across the value chain, accounting for more than 10% of all employment in the EU cosmetics industry.

We are not only a significant manufacturer, but also a trusted partner on the global cosmetics market. Poland’s very strong position in the cosmetics industry is the result of many years of investment in quality, innovation and export development. Polish companies successfully compete on foreign markets, combining modern technologies with tradition and natural ingredients. This is proof that our industry not only keeps up with global trends, but also creates them - adds Anna Oborska, PhD, General Director of the Polish Association of the Cosmetics and Detergent Industry.

In its international expansion, the Polish cosmetics industry can count on the support of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. PAIH provides entrepreneurs with substantive assistance and implements numerous promotional initiatives, strengthening the positive image of the domestic cosmetics sector around the world.

A wide range of products and services offered by Polish companies will be presented during the Cosmoprof fair in Bologna, Italy (from the 20th March this year), among others, on the stands of Polish exhibitors and on the Polish National Stand, organized by PAIH as part of the project "Internationalization of SMEs - Brand HUB" (G20-H21, hall 16).

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The Polish Investment and Trade Agency organizes the Polish National Stands as part of the Sectoral Promotion Program for the cosmetics sector on prospective markets. The Sectoral Promotion Program is implemented as part of the project "Internationalization of SMEs - Brand HUB" by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Development and Technology, as part of the "European Funds for Modern Economy 2021-2027" program.

The aim of the project "Internationalization of SMEs - Brand HUB" is to use and increase the development potential of Polish SMEs and increase the volume of exports through their participation in promotional activities on foreign markets. Sectoral promotion programs are designed to support the recognition of these sectors on foreign markets by promoting the Polish Economy Brand under the slogan "Poland. Business Forward".