Food Retailing in Poland - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2030)

Over the five years through 2025, industry revenue is expected to drop at a compound annual rate of 5.8%. Specialist food retailers in the UK have endured a turbulent period marked by soaring costs, fragile consumer confidence, and intensifying competition. Supermarkets and discounters intensified pressure, expanding private label ranges into premium and organic lines. In response, specialists leaned on differentiation through provenance, artisanal quality, sustainability, and closer community ties, with many embracing digital tools, home delivery, and loyalty initiatives. Evolving consumer habits also spurred adoption of grocery-plus models, blending retail and food service to deliver ready-to-eat, health-focused, and locally sourced meals—an increasingly important lever of resilience and growth.Operating expenses rose sharply due to surging ingredient, feed, energy, and labour costs, squeezing margins even as food inflation eased from an EU peak of 19.3% in 2023 to 3.1% by mid-2025. Stubborn input costs and stagnant household budgets kept value top of mind for consumers, with over a third of UK shoppers still cutting back on groceries. Labour costs climbed with minimum wage hikes and tight labour markets, challenging a sector reliant on personal service and skilled staff. Independents often turned to flexible or family labour, while larger chains absorbed premium wage pressures. Energy shocks in 2022 pushed many small shops to the brink, with government relief proving vital. In 2025, revenue is expected to dip by 4.7% to €99.5 billion, while profit is anticipated to absorb 8.7% of revenue. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is expected to dip at a compound annual growth rate of 1.5% reaching €92.2 billion, while profit is anticipated to remain under pressure from intense competition reaching 7.2% of revenue. Specialist food retailers face a complex future shaped by labour pressures, intensifying competition, and shifting consumer values. Persistent labour shortages and rising wages will remain a defining challenge, with larger chains turning to automation to offset costs, while smaller shops balance authenticity with cautious digital adoption, wary of undermining their artisanal identity. Competitive pressure will sharpen as supermarkets expand premium private labels and capture more foot traffic through scale and strategic locations. To stand out, specialist retailers must lean into differentiation, offering experiences such as tastings, workshops and masterclasses, alongside stronger storytelling and digital engagement. Consumer behaviour will reinforce opportunities for specialists. Health, sustainability and premiumisation are driving demand for fresh, ethically sourced and high-quality food. Younger shoppers, in particular, expect traceability and are willing to pay premiums for welfare-friendly, clean-label products.