Polish Retailer Best Market Eyes Post-War Expansion Into Ukraine

Executive Summary

• Best Market co-owner Serhiy Kolesnyk confirms the chain’s interest in launching operations in Ukraine.

• Expansion will begin only after hostilities end and security conditions normalize.

• Foodex Express—a small-format convenience concept—is considered the best fit for Ukrainian consumers.

• The group is upgrading logistics and warehouse capacity to streamline cross-border supply.

• International players such as Lidl and Biedronka are likewise expected to enter Ukraine, underscoring the market’s growth potential.

Best Market’s Expansion Vision

“As soon as the situation calms down, we will return to the issue of expansion into Ukraine. The potential for convenience stores there is very large.”
— Serhiy Kolesnyk, Co-Owner, Best Market

• Foodex Express offers grab-and-go meals, fresh produce, and essential groceries—ideal for Ukraine’s urban centers and commuter hubs.

• Market entry strategy will be finalized after a thorough analysis of local consumer behavior, real-estate costs, and regulatory requirements.

Logistics and Supply-Chain Upgrades

• Central warehouse in Warsaw (4,000 m²) now handles imports from Ukraine, but transit times range from 3 to 30 days.

• By 2026, Best Market plans to:

  • Expand warehouse space to cut lead times.

  • Deploy advanced order-processing software tailored to food retail.

• Goal: Seamless two-way flow of Ukrainian and Polish goods once stores open on both sides of the border.

Diversification Beyond Grocery

• A pilot restaurant adjacent to a Best Market supermarket in Łódź tests demand for in-store dining.

• While not a core priority, the concept complements retail traffic and could be replicated in select Ukrainian locations.

Competitive Landscape

• The “overactive” Ukrainian retail sector continues to attract global interest despite wartime challenges.

• Lidl and Biedronka are publicly expected to debut in Ukraine, intensifying competition in both discount and convenience segments.

Why It Matters

1. Post-war reconstruction: Foreign retail investment will accelerate job creation and infrastructure upgrades.

2. Consumer choice: Fresh, modern convenience formats can raise service standards and price competition.

3. Cross-border trade: Streamlined logistics may boost agricultural and FMCG exports between Poland and Ukraine.

Next Steps for Best Market

1. Monitor security developments and ceasefire prospects.

2. Finalize market-entry model—site selection, branding, and regulatory compliance.

3. Scale logistics infrastructure to support a future Ukrainian store network.

Bottom Line

Best Market’s tentative timeline underscores both Ukraine’s vast retail potential and the critical role of peace and stability in unlocking new foreign investment. When conditions allow, Foodex Express stores could become a familiar sight on Ukrainian streets—offering fast, convenient shopping backed by Polish retail expertise.