Introduction – Current State of Play: The Starch Sector in Poland
Poland’s starch industry is standing at a critical crossroads. In 2025, the sector faces a storm of challenges that are reshaping how suppliers operate and how buyers should respond. From freak weather events to disease outbreaks and shifting trade dynamics, Poland’s agricultural backbone—and by extension, its starch supply chain—is under pressure.
In May 2025, unseasonal late spring frosts devastated crops across the country. Some regions reported up to 90% crop losses, impacting key starch-producing raw materials like potatoes and corn. Just months before, flooding triggered by storm Boris submerged over 68,000 hectares of farmland. That’s not all—an alarming surge in bird flu cases has triggered new restrictions and emergency measures across Poland.
These back-to-back events have shaken Poland’s starch trade. For example, potato starch exports dropped by 29% in 2023, a reflection of both climate-related disruptions and supply-side volatility.
Now more than ever, businesses sourcing starch from Poland need to stay alert, agile, and informed. Platforms like Freshdi provide essential tools for navigating these shifts—offering verified supplier data, recent RFQ trends, and evolving market intelligence.
Let’s dive into the recent developments and meet the top starch suppliers in Poland adapting to this new reality.
Deep Dive – Breaking News: Critical Updates & Their Effects
Wheat Starch Imports Decline Sharply
In 2024, Poland’s wheat starch imports fell by 14.1%, totaling 91,000 tons. That’s the second straight year of decline. Even more telling is the value drop—from $76 million in 2022 to just $48 million in 2024.
Why the drop? Lower demand, supply chain tweaks, and price volatility all play a role. Hungary now leads as Poland’s top wheat starch supplier, followed by Belgium and Lithuania. The average import price dropped by 23.5%, down to $533 per ton.
Starch-Based Glues Buck the Trend
On the flip side, the starch glue market is booming. In 2023, imports surged to a record $24 million, driven by rising demand in packaging, paper, and construction. Germany dominates this niche, accounting for 56% of imports.
Poland’s Logistics and Cold Chain Are Heating Up
Poland’s logistics sector is growing—and that’s good news for starch distribution. In 2024, over 2.6 million m² of industrial space was added, bringing the national total to 34.5 million m². Lower Silesia led the charge.
Meanwhile, cold storage capacity is expanding rapidly. With agri-food exports hitting $54.83 billion in 2023, Poland is investing in temperature-controlled logistics. Companies like NewCold Logistics are doubling down with automated warehouse expansions to keep pace.
The Investment Climate Remains Strong
Despite climate challenges, Poland remains an attractive investment hub. EU membership, tax breaks (up to 50% in Special Economic Zones), and strategic location make it a magnet for foreign direct investment. However, labor shortages and water scarcity remain hurdles.
Top 7 Verified Starch Suppliers in Poland – Adapting to Today’s Market
When it comes to sourcing starch amidst shifting conditions, it’s crucial to partner with verified and adaptive suppliers. These top 7 starch suppliers in Poland for Q2 2025 are trusted by global buyers and vetted on Freshdi for performance, certifications, and responsiveness to market changes.
1. Zenora Limited Liability Company
- Specialty: Corn Starch
- Why They Stand Out: Zenora has shown exceptional resilience in sourcing high-quality corn during crop disruptions. Their adaptive procurement strategies and strong supplier network keep them competitive.
2. ELION TRADE SP. Z O.O.
- Specialty: Potato Starch
- Why They Stand Out: Despite the hit to potato crops in 2025, ELION maintained consistent supply levels by diversifying sourcing regions. Known for product purity and food-grade certifications.
3. RADZIOWI SP. Z O.O.
- Specialty: Maizena Corn Starch
- Why They Stand Out: A reliable name in consumer and industrial-grade starch, RADZIOWI is responsive to RFQs and offers flexible shipping options, including cold-chain logistics.
4. STARCHPOL Sp. z o.o.
- Specialty: Modified and Native Starch
- Why They Stand Out: Known for innovation and R&D, STARCHPOL adapts products for specific industrial needs, from textiles to adhesives. Their sustainability focus is a plus.
5. PPZ Niechlów Sp. z o.o.
- Specialty: Organic Potato Starch
- Why They Stand Out: They focus on organically grown potatoes and are certified by EU organic standards. A top pick for clean-label and eco-conscious brands.
6. PEPEES SA
- Specialty: Industrial Potato Starch
- Why They Stand Out: One of the largest processors in Poland, PEPEES offers large-volume supply contracts and stable pricing. They have weathered recent climate impacts through storage innovation.
7. Südzucker Polska
- Specialty: Wheat & Corn Starch
- Why They Stand Out: A branch of the German sugar giant, Südzucker brings scale, integration, and logistics prowess. Their vertical integration helps maintain supply consistency.
🔄 Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings may evolve monthly or quarterly based on supplier activity, performance, and buyer demand. Platforms like Freshdi feature “Supplier of the Month” and other dynamic badges reflecting real-time performance.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to Today’s Starch Landscape in Poland
So what should businesses do right now?
First, review your sourcing risk matrix. With natural disasters and disease outbreaks becoming more frequent, relying on a single region or supplier is risky. Consider dual-sourcing or regional diversification.
Second, watch for pricing volatility. Potato and corn starch prices may spike due to limited harvests. Use platforms like Freshdi to track real-time RFQ trends and set alerts for price shifts.
Next, reassess logistics partnerships. With cold-chain capacity on the rise, there’s an opportunity to improve product shelf life and reduce spoilage—important if you’re importing perishable starch derivatives.
Lastly, look for suppliers with strong contingency planning. Those who’ve adapted to 2025’s chaos (like Zenora and ELION) are safer bets.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Rapidly Evolving Market
Poland’s starch market in Q2 2025 is a case study in resilience under pressure. Climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and trade dynamics have disrupted supply chains—but also opened doors for innovation.
Key takeaways:
- Crop losses from late spring frosts and floods have tightened supply, especially for potatoes and corn.
- Import trends show declining wheat starch volumes but rising demand for starch-based glues.
- Logistics improvements and cold-chain expansion offer new sourcing and distribution solutions.
- Verified suppliers like Zenora, ELION, and RADZIOWI are responding with agility and reliability.
To stay competitive, businesses must act fast, adapt smartly, and source wisely. Platforms like Freshdi can help buyers:
- Monitor RFQ shifts tied to news events.
- Verify supplier credentials and certifications.
- Access real-time market insights from across Poland and beyond.
✅ Checklist for Buyers: Sourcing Starch from Poland in 2025
- 🔍 Verify suppliers’ ability to handle climate-related disruptions.
- 📦 Reassess logistics partners—consider cold-chain needs.
- 📈 Set alerts for price and RFQ fluctuations on Freshdi.
- 🌍 Diversify sourcing regions to reduce risk.
- 📑 Ensure certifications (e.g., food-grade, organic, ISO) are up to date.
🔮 Future Outlook
The starch market in Poland will likely remain volatile short-term, but those investing in agility, logistics, and verified partnerships will come out ahead. Businesses that align with forward-thinking suppliers and use platforms like Freshdi to stay informed will be better equipped for whatever comes next.
FAQs
1. Why have Poland’s starch exports dropped recently?
Due to severe weather (frosts and floods) and disease outbreaks affecting crops like potatoes and corn, Poland’s starch production and exports have taken a hit.
2. Which type of starch is most affected by supply chain issues?
Potato starch is currently the most affected, given the heavy crop losses in 2025. Wheat starch imports have also declined, but not as sharply.
3. How can Freshdi help me find reliable starch suppliers?
Freshdi offers verified supplier profiles, live RFQ trends, market alerts, and performance ratings—helping buyers make informed sourcing decisions quickly.
4. Are starch-based glue imports increasing in Poland?
Yes! Imports of starch-based glues grew by 5% in 2023, driven by demand in packaging and construction sectors.
5. Is it safe to import starch products from Poland right now?
Yes, but proceed with caution. Work with verified suppliers, monitor logistics conditions, and stay updated on regional disruptions through platforms like Freshdi.
References
- Poland Insight – May Frosts Impact Agriculture
- Farmer Business – Flood Damage Overview
- Reuters – Bird Flu Measures
- IndexBox – Potato Starch Exports 2023
- IndexBox – Wheat Starch Imports 2024
- IndexBox – Starch Glue Imports 2023
- Property Forum – Logistics Expansion
- GCCA – Cold Storage Demand
- Lazard – Investment Climate Overview
