Global Achievements: A collection of best Success Stories of Retail SMEs in International Markets – Poland
KROSS
Category – Key words
Bikes
Who?
Kross: Bikes manufacturer and retailer, 426 employees. Founded in 1990.
Website
Abstract
Kross is a Polish sports industry company which specializes in manufacturing bicycles and bicycle frames. The company is currently the largest in Poland manufacturing bicycles sold in the Polish market. In 2005 the company sold almost 800,000 products, half of which were exported to 35 countries, 30 of which are in Europe.
Owner of the company – Zbigniew Sosnowski started his bicycle business over 20 years ago with the purchase of 30 Romet two-wheelers. He sells them on the trunk. For the profits and money from the loan at 50 percent buys more and after many years becomes the main partner of the Polish Romet. A year before his collapse, he decides to become a producer.
Nevertheless, in the history of his company, we can find many failures, obstacles, but also successes, which he owes mainly to his employees. Kross’s strength is people – creative enthusiasts.
Results achieved
In 2018, the company manufactured a total of 275,000 bicycles. In 2020 the bicycles were exported to 50 countries around the world.
Tips to replicate
Your strength is your team – sdf Kross’s strength is people – creative enthusiasts. Your strength is your team – Kross’s strength are people – creative enthusiasts. Your business may take years to grow.
Vobro
Category – Key words
Chocolate, sweets
Who?
Vobro: Manufacturer of chocolate products, jellies and cookies. 405 employees, founded in 1986.
Website
Abstract
Vobro – one of the largest enterprises in the food industry in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship with its seat in the city of Brodnica. Manufacturer of chocolate products, jellies and cookies from the ‘Frutti di Mare’ family (about 100 types in total). The cooperative is the winner of awards in such competitions as Agro Export and Mister Eksportu.
The company was founded in 1986 by a Polish confectioner, Wojciech Wojenkowski. Initially, it employed only 8 people, and its assortment included only chocolate dragees. At the beginning of the 1990s, another sweetness was produced in the Brodnica factory – chocolate-covered marshmallows, and in 1992 the first pralines – “Cherry in Chocolate” – were produced.
Results achieved
Since 1996, the company has won many awards and distinctions. In 2013, its products were presented for the first time at the Gulfood [in Dubai, recognized as the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair. Currently, about 10 million chocolates boxes are sold to the world market each year from the Brodnica factory, a quarter of which is exported.
Tips to replicate
Be active in a field of the international trade fairs.
Stara Mydlarnia
Category – Key words
Cosmetics
Who?
Stara Mydlarnia: Manufacturer of the natural cosmetics. Medium Company. Founded in 2001.
Website
https://staramydlarnia.pl/main-eng.html
Abstract
Stara Mydlarnia is a polish brand, born out of dreams, passion and inspiration by nature, as well as for the love of beauty, in search of pleasant, unforgettable moments in the comfort of home SPA.
Results achieved
Today company is a chain of several dozen own and franchise stores, export successes, a large share of sales in perfumery chains and drugstores and countless fans of this excellent brand, modern production halls, a laboratory, many prestigious cosmetic awards and most importantly – appreciation of customers in our country and abroad. A constant increase of interest in cosmetics and the expanding age group of the brand’s customers, inspired us to create a new logo and refreshing the design of our cosmetics, hoping that they will still be irreplaceable in every home and bathroom.
Tips to replicate
High quality products is a key to success. Be active at foreign markets.
Balticus Watches
Category – Key words
Watches
Who?
Balticus Watches: Polish exclusive watches. Medium Company. Founded in 2014.
Website
Abstract
Balticus are elegant premium brand watches for men and women, distinguished by their timeless style and extraordinary workmanship. What is more, they are produced under the brand name of Polish designer Mateusz Przystał.
Results achieved
Balticus is probably the only independent Polish brand with such a wide distribution, they cooperate with 18 stores in Poland and several distributors and stores outside the country. Certainly, the brand becomes recognizable in our country, cooperation with the PGNiG Superleague of handball brings results, the models offered are very well made, have proven mechanisms, and their design does not differ in any way from global brands.
Tips to replicate
A unique brand may be inspired by your immediate surroundings. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Put on outsourcing.
KLER
Category – Key words
Furnitures
Who?
KLER: Exclusive lounge furniture. 800 employees. Founded in 1973.
Website
Abstract
Company KLER is the leader of the Polish market in the category of exclusive lounge furniture. The company was founded in 1973 in Dobrodzień. Its founder, initiator and executor of development activities is Piotr Kler. In the years 1989-1990 there was an intensive development of the company. Employment increased to several dozen people, the company began to introduce exclusive furniture designs, innovative designs and technologies. Currently, KLER is the largest employer in this industry in the region. In 1991, the first company showroom was opened. Today, the commercial structure of the company in Poland is a systematically growing network – 35 own brand stores and 9 outlets operating on the basis of franchising.
Results achieved
Outside Poland, KLER has company showrooms in Prague, Brno and Hradec Kralowe. The network of outlets cooperating on the basis of franchising is systematically developed in Hungary, Croatia, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Canada, France, Russia and the Canary Islands. KLER products are known in most European countries and in the United States, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Iran, India, Israel and Japan.
Tips to replicate
Kler furniture is made to order: the customer chooses the layout and functions of the furniture.
From a range of 300 colors and patterns of fabrics and almost 100 colors of natural leather, the client chooses the outer frame of the furniture.
Ewa-Bis
Category – Key words
Fruits, Vegetables
Who?
Ewa-Bis: Exclusive lounge furniture. 216 employees. Founded in 1987.
Website
Abstract
The Ewa-Bis company was founded in 1987 in Warsaw. Marek Marzec is the founder of the company and the Member of the Management Board. Ewa-Bis belongs to Ewa-Bis Group operating in several branches of business.
Results achieved
Ewa-Bis currently exports fruits and vegetables to about 50 countries around the world, including almost all of Europe. The company is one of the 20 largest exporters in Poland and cooperates with approx. 60 producer groups and approx. 100 individual farmers. The most important activity is the export of fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits. The company’s offer also includes NFC juices, concentrates and FMCG products. They provide both conventional and ecological products.
They run companies in five countries, they work in Poland, Russia, Germany, Ukraine and Canada. Ewa-Bis Group employs 200 people, and in 2016 generated PLN 60 million of sales revenues. They work with commercial and distribution networks, processors and wholesalers. Due to the fact that they are developing foreign trade well, they were honored with the title of Outstanding Exporter of the Year 2017.
Tips to replicate
Local products such as fruits and vegetables can be a great export goods.
Eco and bio food is trending.
Świat Lnu
Category – Key words
Linen fabrics and clothing
Who?
Świat Lnu: Polish Linen – a manufacturer of natural fabrics, 125 employees. Founded in 2001.
Website
https://polishlinen.co.uk/en/?Itemid=0
Abstract
They specialize in the manufacture of fabrics and products of natural origin. They combine years of experience with modern technological facilities, continuing the traditions of our ancestors.
Results achieved
They are a continuation of the activities of Polski Len (Polish Linen). The company has a growing recognition among our domestic and foreign counterparts. However, they are aware that only continuous technological and human development will allow them to develop the trend of being ECO by using natural fabrics. They are not afraid to challenge themselves and to set themselves demanding goals. This makes them strive for excellence and leadership in the global market.
Tips to replicate
Development is determined by the internal concept of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). It takes into account social interests, environmental protection and relations with all stakeholder groups.
Cydr Chyliczki
Category – Key words
Cider
Who?
Cydr Chyliczki: high quality craft ciders. Family company. Founded in 2014.
Website
http://cydrchyliczki.pl/?lang=en
Abstract
They specialize in the manufacture of fabrics and products of natural origin. They combine years of experience with modern technological facilities, continuing the traditions of our ancestors.
Results achieved
Chyliczki Cidery was established in 2014 as a family enterprise, and it has had such a character ever since. Their key policies are: quality of primary products, crafting, and time necessary for every must to gain its full flavours. In line with this philosophy, apple musts are made once a year, during the time when apples reach maximum ripeness on trees, then they ferment with traditional production methods used for sparkling wines, and eventually ripen for many months. For our musts we use apples coming from old Mazovian orchards without any intensive chemical protection allowing for obtaining ripe products, but this way these small apples get extremely intense aromas and flavours. Although the raw product quality is the key to the cider quality, the values could not be transferred to the beverage without giving it enough time. The process of production in the cidery takes from 8 months to several years, as the apple is a fruit which likes to ripen.
Tips to replicate
Cider doesn’t have to come from a big factory. It can be a high-quality craft drink.
In the beginning, the business model should be frugal
Dary Natury
Category – Key words
Species and herbs
Who?
Dary Natury: natural, ecological, top-quality herbs and species. 50 employees. Founded in 1990.
Website
Abstract
The Dary Natury company was established in the 90s in a small village of Koryciny, hidden among forests, in the Podlasie commune of Grodzisk. This is where the owner of the company comes from, Mirosław Angielczyk, who from an early age was collecting herbs and creating his own mixtures, but also, which is extremely valuable, collecting messages about the traditional use of herbs. The long history of harvesting herbs from natural sites, their processing and use, crystal clear areas and lush, practically wild vegetation make Podlasie the heart of Polish herbalism.
Results achieved
In all their activities, they rely on the colorful traditions of Podlasie, ensuring that their wealth survives for future generations. When developing herbal mixtures, they rely not only on modern knowledge, supported by detailed research, but also on this traditional knowledge, accumulated for years with the help of the inhabitants of the region. They reconstruct historic wooden buildings around the company’s buildings, which they make available for sightseeing and as a place to stay for tourists. They create tourist routes and museums, e.g. of the history of herbalism and Podlasie traditions.
Tips to replicate
Nature provides many inspirations that can be used in business.
If your business is niche, you can consider, for example, making a museum of your products
Naturativ
Category – Key words
Natural Cosmetics
Who?
Natrurativ: Catural Cosmetics with Nature Certification. 36 employees. Founded in 2013.
Website
Abstract
The story of Naturativ, like many other stories, began with fascination and utter passion, when our founder Magda Hajduk was on one of her trips abroad and came across natural and nature based cosmetics. It was love from first sight. She could not stop thinking about them. Her immediate thought was “How do I produce natural cosmetics but make them better than anything I have seen”.
Results achieved
Their formulas include over 200 carefully selected ingredients qualified for use in truly natural cosmetics.
The Naturativ offer includes over 80 natural and extremely effective cosmetics for the face, body and hair. No other Polish brand can be proud of such a wide range!
Naturativ cosmetics conquer the world! You can find them in the USA, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Spain and Finland, where they win many consumer awards!
Tips to replicate
Be sustainable – use packaging which allows 100% use of the content and they fill their packages it to the brim.
Monitor new, pro-ecological solutions.
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