The rising costs of fuel, fertilizers and agricultural production may have serious consequences on the food market – both in Poland and around the world. This is what Ana Luisa Virginia says – financial director of Jeronimo Martins – during the company's last earnings conference call. Currently, Biedronka in Poland is focused primarily on protecting profitability and maintaining sales. It is not easy, because – as the Commercial News website informs – “the retail market in Poland still operates in conditions of strong deflation of the shopping basket, very high promotional activity and cautious consumer behavior.”
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Ladybird. Price increases possible in the second half of the year
The owner of the Biedronka chain expects food price inflation to return in the second half of the year. This is the result of, among others, increases in fuel prices and agricultural production costs, which may appear only in a few months. Currently, there is no such problem yet.
“Currently, we do not yet see inflation on the supply side. However, we expect that rising fuel and fertilizer prices will put pressure on costs, especially on the production side in the agricultural sector, starting with agriculture. There will probably be a delay in the cycle itself, so we think that most of these price increases will become visible starting in the second half of the year,” said Ana Luisa Virginia in a statement quoted by Wiadomości Handlowe. JM's financial director added that “this will happen not only in Poland, but everywhere.”
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However, much depends on consumer behavior and the level of competition between individual food market players. “We are not alone in the market; there is supply, demand and competition. This issue will therefore also depend on consumer demand and the intensity of competition,” added Ana Luisa Virginia.
According to Commercial News, the first quarter of 2026 meant product prices dropped by over 3% for Biedronka. In addition, consumers are cautious and limit their spending and look for promotions in anticipation of an imminent price increase. All this contributes to the difficult situation of chains – including Biedronka – which operate under pressure to maintain sales. “All players are fighting for sales,” emphasized Ana Luisa Virginia, quoted by WH.
Despite the above-mentioned pressure and rising operating costs, Biedronka continues to increase sales. Currently, it manages a network of over 3,880 stores in Poland. Throughout 2025, it achieved sales of PLN 107 billion, which means an increase of 7.5%. year to year.
