Poland is the world's 20th-largest economy, the most dynamic and fastest-growing market in the European Union, and a gateway to over 100 million consumers.
Yet most New Zealand exporters do not enter, not because of a lack of opportunity, but a lack of structured execution.
Explore this specialised gateway programme led by market insiders.
At a time when growth in traditional markets is slowing, Central Europe may be one of the most overlooked NZ export opportunities available today.
The Poland Gateway Programme 2026 helps New Zealand companies enter this market with the right preparation, local connections, and boots-on-the-ground support.
A small group of businesses will be guided to real distribution development in the CEE.
Why Poland
- 40 million consumers
- US$1 trillion economy
- You just found your CEE market insider
From Poland, exporters can access markets including Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Baltic states or via the DTC distribution model reach the entire EU.
5 reasons from MFAT:
- Economic stability and growth over the long term
- Strategic location in the heart of Europe
- A prime destination for foreign direct investment
- EU funding and government incentives add liquidity to the economy
- A highly skilled and educated labour force
Compared with Western EU, the region often offers:
- Lower entry costs
- Faster distributor engagement
- Strong openness to new international products
- Quicker tech uptake driven by EU’s non-repayable subsidy programmes
Central European consumers are also highly receptive to New Zealand’s premium, natural positioning.
New Zealand Business Already Succeeding in Poland
A few examples include:
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
- Matua, Oyster Bay amongst many other winemakers
- FrostBoss® and Hustler agri equipment
- Antipodes, Trilogy and Living Nature cosmetics
- Icebreaker merino clothing
- Manuka Health and many other Manuka honey brands
New Zealand wines sell thousands of cases annually, for many years Poland has been the fastest growing market globally for BOBUX shoes, while for Manuka honey Poland is now the second largest market in the EU. Despite these successes, many New Zealand exporters have yet to explore the region.
Why Most Exporters Fail to Enter This Market
Not because of demand, but because of access.
- No trusted local relationships
- Misaligned distributors and expectations
- Underestimating regulatory and commercial complexity
- No presence on the ground
- Entering too early, or too late
Market entry fails not on product quality, but on execution.
Pragmatic Market Entry
We focus on commercial reality, not theory.
Every step is designed to reduce risk, validate assumptions, and move towards actual revenue generation.
The Programme Delivers
- Market validation and commercial positioning
- Target distributor and partner identification
- In-market introductions and negotiation support
- Regulatory and category alignment
- Entry strategy tailored to Poland and CEE expansion
This is not just advisory. It is structured execution with in-market support.
Programme Model
The programme operates on a staged programme fee plus a success-based engagement model, reflecting the hands-on commercial nature of the support provided.
Why this is different
This is a hands-on programme designed for companies ready to move.
It provides:
- Direct access to in-market contacts and relationships
- Commercially driven, not grant or theory-led
- Built on real export experience between New Zealand and Poland
You work with a New Zealand-based agent understanding the unique aspects of both markets, and who can support you with all year in-market presence.
Limited Intake
Only five exporters will be selected for the 2026 programme to ensure depth of support and direct involvement.
DELIVERED BY BROADEN.nz
BROADEN.NZ has over 15 years of experience supporting exporters with international marketing and practical export execution.
The programme is created and managed by BROADEN.nz owner-manager – a Polish-born Kiwi Sebastian Krajewski with extensive business networks in Poland and globally, and strong connections within the New Zealand export ecosystem.
BROADEN has supported international business development across sectors including:
- Food and beverage
- Health and natural products
- Agriculture
- Technology
Projects also included work with NZTE clients, such as:
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
- FrostBoss
- Arepa
Sebastian Krajewski
Programme Leader
Well-rounded professional with over 20 years of experience in business development, full-stack marketing, and project management in New Zealand and internationally.
Apply for the 2026 intake
We will quickly assess:
- Your offer market fit and EU market readiness
- Potential distribution pathways
- Our ability to support your particular offer category
- Your questions, plans and requirements