25 years of innovation and development
25 years of the Sokołów Group in numbers:
• 8 highly specialized plants, 4 subsidiaries, 280 own stores, 39 distribution centers
• Increase in annual sales value – 876%
• Increase in sales volume – 420%
• Budget spent on investments – nearly PLN 3 billion
For 25 years, the Sokołów Group has been strengthening its position on the market by focusing on innovation, investment, and social responsibility. Its dynamic growth is confirmed by, among other things, increases in annual sales value and sales volume, strengthening of production capacity, and systematic expansion of the product range in line with the latest trends. The Sokołów brand is the best-known brand of meat products in Poland, and the Sokołów Group remains among the leaders in the meat industry. At the same time, the plant in Sokołów Podlaski is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Milestones in development
The Sokołów Group was established on September 1, 2000, through the fusion of Farm Food S.A Group (which owned plants in Czyżew, Jarosław, and Tarnów) and the Sokołów Group (which owned plants in Sokołów Podlaski and Koło). Since then, the company has managed to significantly expand its production potential. In 2007, Pozmeat plant in Robakowo joined the Sokołów Group, and four years later, the Salami Iglomeat factory in Dębica, whose main shareholder was the Sokołów Capital Group, became another branch. In 2018, the Gzella Group companies were acquired, along with the plant in Osie. Thanks to these steps, the Sokołów Group now owns eight modern, specialized plants.
Since 2014, the Sokołów Group has been part of the international Danish Crown Group, one of the largest meat processing companies in Europe and one of the largest meat exporters in the world.
The Sokołów Group focuses not only on strengthening its production resources – the development of retail sales is also an important element of its strategy. A significant step towards achieving this goal was the launch of Sokołów-Net in 2022, which was created as a result of the merger of the Sokołów and Gzella store chains. The Sokołów Group, which initially had 18 stores and 6 distribution centers, now has 280 specialized Sokołów and Wędliny z Borów meat stores and 39 distribution centers. Sokołów-Net is one of four subsidiaries of the Sokołów Group. The others are: Agro Sokołów, Sokołów-Logistyka, and Sokołów Service.
“Over a quarter of a century of operation, the Sokołów Group has achieved and consolidated a strong position on the domestic and foreign markets,” says Przemysław Gostkiewicz, President of the Management Board of Sokołów S.A. – The scale of our growth over the past 25 years is confirmed by the figures: an increase in annual sales value of over 870% and an increase in sales volume of 420%. In Poland, we are currently among the 100 largest companies, 50 largest employers, and 10 largest food producers.
Key investments
Over the past 25 years, the Sokołów Group has allocated nearly PLN 3 billion to investments. “Investments are the foundation of stable growth, which is why we implement them systematically, regardless of changing market conditions,” says Przemysław Gostkiewicz, President of the Management Board of Sokołów S.A. Every action in this area not only serves to increase our competitiveness and strengthening production capacity, but also brings us closer to a sustainable production model. We invest with the future in mind – greater efficiency, innovative technological solutions, and environmental responsibility.
Key investments made over the past 25 years include the launch of one of the largest and most modern slicing plants in Central and Eastern Europe at the Sokołów Podlaski branch in 2012, and the expansion of plants in Sokołów Podlaski, Tarnów, Robakowo, and Osie. Since 2023, the Sokołów Group has been creating and developing photovoltaic farms next to its individual branches.
Innovative and in line with trends
The Group's innovation is reflected not only in the modern technologies implemented in its plants, but also in the development of its product range in line with the latest trends. “We are very familiar with food trends and listen to consumers' needs,” says Przemysław Gostkiewicz. "We are constantly looking for inspiration and are not afraid of new solutions. We systematically introduce interesting new products, some of which are the first of their kind on the Polish market. We are the leader in the production of sliced products, and we plan to continue our strong growth in this area. We are also proud of our leading position in the production and sale of branded meat products for children – this is, of course, our Sokoliki brand.
Social responsibility as the company's DNA
The principles of social responsibility are an integral part of the Sokołów Group's identity and set the direction for its development. “Our activities in this area cover many areas, including environmental protection, relations with employees, partners, contractors, support for local communities, and educational campaigns,” says Przemysław Gostkiewicz. "While building a strong market position, we always take important social issues into account. In this way, we also meet the expectations of conscious consumers who care about how the products they choose are manufactured.
An example of such measures is the launch of photovoltaic farms with a total capacity of 450 kWp at six branches of the Sokołów Group, which has reduced electricity purchases by approximately 450 MWh. As a result, CO2 emissions have been reduced by approximately 200 tons per year. Sokołów is currently expanding these installations to a capacity of ~4500 kWp, which will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 2000 tons per year. In addition, thanks to the implementation of modern technologies and process optimization, last year Sokołów reduced its consumption of: gas by 380,000 m3; energy by 1,100 MWh; water by approx. 37,000 m3; cardboard packaging by 740,000 pieces.
A future built on strong foundations
President Gostkiewicz emphasizes that the employees have played a key role in the 25-year history of the Sokołów Group. “It is thanks to our employees that we can celebrate this anniversary with pride,” says Przemysław Gostkiewicz. “Their loyalty, experience, and commitment are the true foundation of the Sokołów Group’s strength. A quarter of a century ago, we focused on quality, modernity, and responsibility. Today, we can confidently say that this choice was the right one. The growth we have seen over these 25 years is the result of the work of the entire team and important investment decisions that have not only built our position in the market but also allowed us to exceed consumer expectations. And what lies ahead? Despite many current challenges, we want not only to continue to grow, but also to set standards in the industry. The potential that lies in our staff, modern production base, and the strength of our brands allows us to look to the future with optimism.