If we ask foreigners who they associate Poland with, they will say Chopin, Skłodowska-Curie or Nicolaus Copernicus. Many will also mention cities such as Warsaw or Krakow. There are also many companies and products from Poland that are recognizable abroad although many of us remember the times when Polish companies limited their activities mainly to the domestic market. However, the political transformation and entry into the European Union have resulted in Polish brands gaining worldwide recognition on the international business scene.
Of course, these successes are not accidental. Entering foreign markets has played a key role in strengthening the position of these companies. Among the Polish businesses that are well-known around the world are LOT airlines, game developer CD Projekt, food conglomerate Maspex, clothing companies 4F and LPP, and courier company Inpost. Polish products popular abroad include the computer game The Witcher, Wedel chocolates and Bird’s Milk, Żubrówka vodka, the iconic Prince Polo bar or Ursus tractors, which were popular at one time. All the above-mentioned examples are excellent proof that Polish companies can gain a lot by expanding into international markets and successfully face foreign competitors.
However, in order to build international popularity one must start by exporting and building footholds in foreign markets. It is important for Polish companies to invest in developing the skills of their employees, especially in English. After all, English is the language of business in international markets, and communication is crucial in building relationships with trading partners around the world. An alternative route to building in-house competence for international expansion is through distributors. Here, the cost of entry is lower, but also the risk is higher, e.g. replacing another supplier.
Polish brands are increasingly successful in global markets, and the history of the most popular ones abroad proves that Polish companies can also achieve great success and be recognized worldwide. If your company is considering overseas expansion and wants to prepare its staff for it, we encourage you to learn business English with Complete English. Our group of native speakers will prepare the staff of any company for business talks, presentations at international fairs or business negotiations. We are a Warsaw-based company, but thanks to the possibility of online classes, we serve clients all over Poland. Cooperation with us means not only business English lessons, but also the possibility of consulting translations or language audits of prepared materials.
We look forward to working with you!
