On November 13, 2024, Bronisze Wholesale Market in Warsaw, Poland, hosted a significant visit as part of a trade mission organized for fruit and vegetable exporters from Morocco and Egypt. This initiative aimed to introduce exporters to the vibrant markets across Eastern and Central Europe. Taking place from November 12-15, this mission grants participants the chance to engage with some of the largest fruit and vegetable buyers in one of the fastest-growing importing regions. This mission, led by FAO and EBRD, was a pivotal experience for Egyptian and Moroccan exporters in Warsaw. The group of exporters, who are participating in the mission, is 35 people strong representing 24 companies from Egypt and Morocco.
A central event of this mission was the visit to the Bronisze Wholesale Market, a pivotal trading hub that specializes in fresh produce and flowers. This market is a bustling environment catering to both local and international traders. With dedicated areas for fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, Bronisze Market offers a strategic platform for exporters aiming to connect with an extensive range of buyers.
Additionally, during this visit, B2B meetings were conducted for two hours, facilitating discussions between local importers and companies from Egypt and Morocco.
Key Highlights of the Visit to Bronisze Wholesale Market
During this visit participants actually discovered a lot of products from Egypt and Morocco. For instance, Moroccan round red and pink tomatoes dominate the market selling at 8 PLN/kg – 1 pln cheaper than local tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes from Morocco are also available for 10 pln/kg.
Egypt totally dominates local market of sweet potatoes, which sell at 6 pln/kg and are imported in mixes from the Netherlands.
We also found avocados from Morocco at some pavilions.
Year-Round Variety
Dominating the wholesale landscape for fresh produce, the Bronisze Market stands as Poland’s largest center and a leading facility in Central and Eastern Europe. Situated centrally in Poland, near the bustling Warsaw metropolitan area and key production centers, the market is a vital component in the supply chain of both agricultural and horticultural products.
Bronisze hosts a versatile trade range, including both Polish and globally-sourced products. From locally grown apples and pears from Grójec and Warka, peppers from Radom, to exotic offerings like papayas and mangos from Brazil, citrus fruits from Costa Rica, strawberries from Spain, lettuces from Italy, roses from Ecuador, and tulips from Holland, tomatoes and avocadoes from Morocco, sweet potatoes from Egypt, the market delivers unparalleled variety. This diversity of specialized companies ensures not only a steady supply of basic goods but also provides gourmet items tailored to specific demands.
Modern Infrastructure
The Bronisze Wholesale Market features state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the varied needs of its clients. It ensures efficient logistics and easy accessibility for both buyers and sellers. The market’s modern facilities contribute to the smooth operation of trading activities, marking it as a crucial node in the trade network.
This professional visit underscores the importance of Bronisze Market as a strategic entry point for exporters seeking to tap into the dynamic markets of Eastern and Central Europe. The event reflects an ongoing commitment to fostering international trade partnerships and expanding market opportunities for participating countries.
A modern infrastructure, air-conditioned halls, cooling storage facilities, as well as HACCP safe food trade standards and an ISO quality management system, ensure that customers receive fresh goods of the highest quality.
The maximum shortening of the distance from the field to the table is the primary task of a wholesale market and its biggest advantage over cash & carry wholesalers.
This simplification of the supply chain allows for the delivery of fruit and vegetables to wholesale trade within a few hours of picking, ensuring that consumers receive ripe products with excellent taste and healthy values. The Wholesale Market in Bronisze operates in accordance with the seasons and rhythm determined by fruit and vegetable picking periods. Spring begins with early vegetables, while Summer features strawberries, sweet cherries, and sour cherries.
After this, the aroma of apples from Grójec and Warka, tomatoes from Karczew and Janów, and peppers from Radom fill the trade areas. Autumn is marked by the peak sales of Polish pears and apples in October and November, while winter signals intensive activity from importers who supplement the offerings of domestic products with fruits and vegetables imported from other parts of the world. During winter, the majority of imported fruit originates from Southern Europe, mainly Spain, bringing aromatic tangerines, oranges, grapefruits, bananas, and kiwis to our tables.
The market features both covered areas for importers and local traders, as well as open spaces for local farmers to trade directly from their trucks. About 60% of the produce sold in Bronisze originates from the surrounding voivodeship, highlighting its significance as a central hub for local agriculture.
Market spans 42.5 hectares and employs over 500 permanent staff while realizing over 800 stakeholder lease agreements. On average, 2,600 sellers operate within a 24-hour period, often selling directly from their vehicles, 1300 sales points from vehicles, over 20,000 farms selling their products, 4,500 cars (averaging in 24 hrs), 1.5 million vehicles (annually), 1.2 million tons of vegetables & fruits committed sales (annually).
Poland, a leader in importing citrus fruits, grapes, watermelons, and more, creates a fertile ground for Moroccan and Egyptian exporters. This region boasts one of the fastest growth rates in the EU for fruit and vegetable imports, highlighting the potential for sustained demand and expansion.
Importantly, the The Bronisze Wholesale Market not only supports high-volume trade—with 1.2 million tons of vegetables and fruits in committed annual sales—but also values quality.
Quality and Standards
Participants exploring this market were exposed to terminals focused on HoReCa quality products, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining superior quality standards. This emphasis on premium offerings underscores the potential for exports aimed at discerning buyers who prioritize quality and authenticity.
The visit to the region clearly demonstrated the potential for bilateral trade and portfolio diversification. Participants benefited from this exposure, as it enabled them to forge valuable connections and devise effective market entry strategies. This visit was not merely about exploring a new market but was a strategic step towards sustainable growth and partnership development.
Moroccan and Egyptian producers can leverage the ideal trade conditions in Poland and Eastern Europe, fostering bilateral relations capable of facilitating the creation of complementary product portfolios. The emphasis on quality and standardization aligns perfectly with the strategic goals of exporters looking to enhance their global footprint.
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