8 thousand PLN in hand for the weaving master. How much do you earn in the Polish wicker industry?
Poland, and especially the Podkarpacie wicker basin, remains one of the most important centers for the production of wicker products in Europe. Although the industry is based on a long tradition and is handmade by a small number of craftsmen, its sales are growing, now driven by exports and online channels. In Poland, the first association is with Easter baskets., whose production and sale is a tradition of over a hundred years – Christmas baskets also generate a significant part of the annual revenues on the domestic market.
– Poland, and especially the Podkarpackie wicker basin, is currently a leader in the production of these handicraft products. There were also wicker-making centers in other countries, but today this tradition is cultivated there to a marginal extent. I am interested in this topic and when I visit Europe, I visit all such places. What we have so far stands out from other European centers. It is still alive here, production continues and is carried out on a large scale – says Joanna Radomska, owner of the e-wicker24 brand, to the Newseria agency.
Not only for Święconka. The fashion for ecology and design is driving the renaissance of Polish wicker
According to the Polish Crafts Portal, the most intense time in the wicker industry is from April to June. During this period, 60 percent is generated. annual revenues. Large sales are recorded in the pre-Easter period.
– Polish Easter baskets, or the so-called Święconki, are a typically Polish tradition. We offer models that have been on the market for over 50 years and have not changed. However, how people arrange these baskets is another matter. Now comes the design and additional decoration of the baskets. Apart from the fact that they have a sacred function, i.e. they are taken to church to bless food, they are also a decorative object that beautifies our homes during Easter – says Joanna Radomska.
As he emphasizes, while domestic sales of wicker baskets remain at approximately the same level, global sales of utility baskets are increasing year by year.
When it comes to the production of wicker baskets, we are not talking about mass production. Some of the baskets we offer sell several dozen to several dozen pieces a year because only a few people make them. We associate mass production with Asian countries, while in Poland we only design unique baskets and in a certain number – says the owner of the e-wicker24 brand. – Our baskets are appreciated mainly abroad.
E-commerce and export drive sales of Podkarpacie craftsmen
Exports are an important driving force for the industry. In sales – in Poland and abroad – the e-commerce channel began to play a key role. One of the most important sales markets is Germany. The e-wicker24 brand was the winner of the Złota Paczka competition, which the Amazon.pl online store organized on the occasion of its fifth birthday. The statuette was awarded in the Champions of Tradition category – for sellers who introduce traditional products to digital trade and gain recognition abroad.
– Wickerwork is closely related to tradition, which brings back memories for older generations. Our grandparents used wicker baskets, toys and other everyday items, which today they buy with sentiment – for their grandchildren or children. However, these products are also bought by the young generation who are interested in design and ecology. This brings a breath of fresh and craftsmanship to their interior and surroundings, says Joanna Radomska.
Craftsmanship that Europe envies
As he emphasizes, customers appreciate it above all, the fact that each product is unique.
– Each product is hand-woven by a craftsman, from material that grows, so sometimes it is imperfect, but customers understand perfectly well that this is how it is supposed to be. People often say that wicker has a specific smell that they associate with nature, and the timeless forms and material make them feel good in their apartment – says the owner of e-wicker24. – They say that every wickerworker can become a builder, but not every builder can become a wickerworker, and that is the truth. Unfortunately, to become a good basket maker, you have to acquire this craftsmanship and skill by learning it basically from your teenage years. A wicker processing technician is not an easy profession, but once someone acquires these skills, they never forget them.
How much do Polish basket makers earn?
According to the Polish Crafts Portal, in 2025, wickerwork allowed you to earn from PLN 2,500 net per month for beginners in factories up to PLN 8,000. PLN and more for experienced craftsmen. The average in Poland is approximately PLN 4,500 net. Data from the Chamber of Crafts quoted on the Rzemioslo.org website indicate that 65 percent basket makers make a living only from this work. Craftsmen associated with the Guild of Various Crafts in Zielona Góra reported a turnover of 50-70 thousand. PLN per year per person. The hourly wages of a basket maker in Poland reached PLN 45-60 for specialists in large forms, such as armchairs or gazebos.
– If it were not profitable, this profession would no longer exist. There are craftsmen who deal only with this craft and appreciate the fact that they can make these products in their homes, create their own work rhythm and co-create products together with designers. Their skills are invaluable. We often had contact with various designers who created the project in some design program. Later, when they met with the wickerworker, they said: “I should weave for a week and then start designing,” says Joanna Radomska.
