Poland’s HoReCa market on a decrease in 2009

2010-05-12

In 2009, the difficult financial situation of Poles, caused by the recent economic downturn led to the situation in which they abstained from spending money on food services. Over the period, according to PMR estimates, the value of the HoReCa market in Poland decreased by 4.3% year-on-year. What is more, about 55% of food establishments reported decrease in sales revenues.

Establishments with revenues of less than PLN 50,000 (€ 12,400) in 2009 make up 45% of the Polish HoReCa market. Slightly more than one-third (35%) of all outlets noted revenues of between PLN 50,000 and PLN 200,000 (€49,500) last year. Every fifth outlet posted revenues of over PLN 200,000.
From the perspective of the location of food establishments, the highest revenues were recorded by food points located in retail centres - 34% of them realised revenues of over PLN 200,000 and 53% – in the range of PLN 50,000-200,000. In turn, the lowest sales revenues were noted by establishments located in the countryside, away from throughways; for 65% of them, their 2009 revenues did not exceed PLN 50,000.




Over half (55%) of all food establishments noted lower sales in 2009 relative to 2008, every fifth outlet (21%) noted higher sales, and 24% did not notice any change in the value of sales in the period.
Lower sales revenues haunted four-fifths of outlets in food courts of shopping centres (on average their sales were down by 22%). Furthermore, none of such outlets noted higher sales in 2009. One-quarter of establishments located in city centres and on the main streets disclosed higher sales in 2009 (on average by 18%), in turn slightly over half of outlets in such locations had lower sales revenues (down by 27% on average). It is worthy to note that among outlets in locations with tourist services (train and bus stations), none posted lower revenues in 2009.




Predictions for 2010 are more upbeat. Only 30% of respondents believe that their revenues will be lower, 37% that they will remain stable. One-third thinks the year will bring higher sales.
The most respondents (41%) that forecast sales growth, is among those whose establishments are located along throughways or at petrol stations. From among outlets in shopping centres, 26% expect higher sales this year (average growth of 9%) and 36% lower sales revenues (down by 20% on average). Higher sales, on average by 21%, were forecast by 38% of outlets located in city centres and along the main streets. Meanwhile, 26% of such locales expect to see lower sales in 2010 (down on average by 24%).




Complete results were published in PMR’s newest report entitled “HoReCa Market in Poland 2010. Market analysis and development forecasts 2010-2012”.

Methodology note:
The survey was conducted using computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) technique by experienced PMR pollsters who completed 610 full interviews. Respondents were owners or co-owners of food establishments, representing 72% of the sample population, as well as managers or supervisors of the surveyed establishments – accounting for 28% of all respondents. Interviews were conducted with representatives of outlets divided into six categories: hotel restaurants and bars; restaurants; pizzeria; fast food / lunch bars; coffee shops; pubs / bars serving alcohol.


Patrycja Nalepa
Senior Retail Analyst
PMR Publications