Poland’s on-premise scene is shifting, with consumers changing how they choose venues, drinks, and occasions. From food-led channels and rising whiskey interest to festivals and spontaneous choices, CGA by NIQ reveals how brands and suppliers can respond.
CGA by NIQ’s latest on-premise User Survey (OPUS) is packed with insights into the Polish market and highlights consumers’ enduring passion for bars and restaurants there. However, spending remains tight, with 71% of consumers still severely or moderately impacted by the cost of living. This makes it even more important to adapt to changes in habits and preferences and generate growth. To help, here are five key trends to track over the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Food-led channels at the forefront
Three in five (61%) consumers visit restaurants at least once every three months, making them the most popular channel ahead of cafes (57%) and fast food / QSR venues (57%). They are particularly prominent in young people’s lives, with 18 to 34 year-olds 10 percentage points more likely than average to visit fast food sites. Bars and pubs are used quarterly by 44% of all consumers—and by exactly half (50%) of those aged 35 to 54.
Opportunities beyond the on-premise
While these four channels lead the way, there are many more venues for suppliers to consider. For example, half (49%) of consumers visit cinemas at least quarterly, while 30% use street food vendors or markets and 23% visit festivals. Well-executed strategies for these channels can be invaluable in generating brand trial and loyalty.
A focus on celebrations and relaxation
Poland’s on-premise is where celebrations are enjoyed and memories are made. Nearly two in five (38%) consumers say they have visited for a special occasion in the last three months, and there is good potential to encourage trade-ups here. Relaxed or quiet drinks, casual meals and after-work drinks are the three next popular types of occasion.
Beer the top choice and whiskey rising
Well over half (56%) of consumers typically drink beer in Poland’s on-premise, making it the most popular choice. Lager, specialties and flavored beer are the top three sub-categories, but there’s fast-growing interest in no and low alcohol options too. Meanwhile, spirits consumption is shifting, with whiskey overtaking vodka as the top pick. Because whiskey drinkers are 10 percentage points more likely than average to pay extra for a better quality drink, there are major opportunities for premiumization here.
Spontaneity and experimentation
Whatever their categories, channels or occasions, Poland’s consumers are ready to be spontaneous. Nearly three quarters (72%) say they are open to influence on their drinks choices in pubs or bars, and 29% haven’t decided what to drink before they step foot in a venue. This highlights the opportunity for suppliers to intervene on paths to purchase, via menus, bartender recommendations, back bars, display boards and more.
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