Poland is among the fastest-growing EU member states.
For the OCS Spedition team, transport to and from Poland is their highest-revenue sector.
Since the start of the transformation in 1990, Poland's economy has undergone impressive development and has consistently recorded positive economic growth. EU accession in 2004 further boosted this trend. According to the Federal Foreign Office, gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 2.8 percent in 2016. Growth of 3.4 percent is expected for 2017. 60% of gross value added is generated in the service sector and only 23% in industry (excluding construction).
Before the political changes of 1989, agriculture and the food industry in Poland were literally on their knees. The country had to import food. Due to a shortage of foreign currency, there were even food shortages at times. Today, Poland is a major food exporter. No other country exports more mushrooms than Poland. This type of mushroom alone accounts for 60% of Poland's total vegetable exports. Polish baked goods and confectionery are very popular worldwide and are even shipped to China.
The Polish economy has proven remarkably resilient in the face of the problems plaguing neighboring countries to the east (Ukraine and Russia). Poland consistently aligns itself with Western European EU member states. Currently, 77% of its exports go to EU countries, and 60% are imported from EU countries, with Germany being by far its largest trading partner. German products enjoy a high reputation among Poland's 40 million inhabitants, who are often already familiar with them from previous visits to Germany. Furthermore, Poles are very keen consumers and remain open to foreign products. Their purchasing habits are increasingly aligning with Western trends. Sweet breakfasts featuring jam, hazelnut spread, and muesli are becoming ever more popular. Frozen and ready-made meals are also experiencing a significant increase in consumption.
Furthermore, Poland is the most popular production location for German companies among all Eastern European EU member states. Investments are concentrated primarily in Wrocław, where 25% of German companies conduct their business. The Polish capital, Warsaw, ranks second, followed by the Tri-City area (Trojmiasto) of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot.
Since the political changes of 1989, OCS has focused on the continuous expansion of its network in Poland, enabling it to fulfill even the most demanding customer requests. The Polish heritage of our company founder and owner, Waldemar Braun, ensures excellent business relationships with customers and partners in our neighboring country. As a result, we generate a significant portion of the added value for our satisfied customers in the metalworking, mechanical engineering, and food industries between Poland and Western Europe. This percentage typically shifts in the fourth quarter of the year, as we regularly import promotional items, such as grave arrangements, Advent wreaths, and stocked displays, to Germany for major discount retailers and grocery stores.
All of our employees have family roots in Eastern Europe. They not only speak the language fluently, but also know the local conditions and requirements, which significantly facilitates cross-border cooperation and offers great advantages for our customers.
