Biedronka: A Force For Shared Growth

For three decades, Biedronka has been shaped by millions of people across Poland — from employees to suppliers, from business partners to customers.


In 2025, we celebrate the stories of those who made it all possible, and those who will keep the ladybird flying high for years to come.

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A Journey Through Time

On this page, you can find a collection of exclusive interviews with people who have played a key role in the success of Biedronka and Poland over the past 30 years, as their paths are undeniably intertwined.


Testimonials from respected members of Polish society and strategic suppliers also offer an external perspective and testify to the true strength and impact of Biedronka.


Click on each photo to watch the respective interview.

Interviews

  • Andrzej Duda
  • Andrzej Szlęzak
  • Anna Sierpińska
  • Bartosz Ciuruś
  • Bartosz Goździk
  • Dariusz Lambryczak
  • Dariusz Sapiński
  • Dorota Wrotek-Gut
  • Grzegorz Kołodko
  • Grzegorz Pytko
  • Hanna Kicza
  • Jakub Kamiński
  • Jan Krzysztof Bielecki
  • Jarosław Sobczyk
  • Jerzy Hausner
  • Joanna Lukosek-Mendel
  • Justyna Szymani
  • Kamil Cygnarowicz
  • Kamil Grabara
  • Kamil Grosicki
  • Kamila Frąckowiak-Jankowski
  • Arleta Pająk i Katarzyna Kwapich
  • Katarzyna Scheer
  • Krzysztof Kołodziej
  • Leszek Balcerowicz
  • Luís Amaral
  • Luís Araújo
  • Łukasz Bagniuk
  • Łukasz Kaminiarz
  • Maciej Krupiński
  • Maciej Łukowski
  • Marek Kopyto
  • Marek Złakowski
  • Mariusz Panufnik
  • Mikołaj Gala
  • Paweł Stolecki
  • Paweł Włodarczyk
  • Paweł Wszołek
  • Pedro Soares dos Santos
  • Piotr Jutkiewicz
  • Tadeusz Leszczyński
  • Tomasz Wielgomas
  • Wojciech Józefowski
  • Wojciech Kozar
  • Zbigniew Chołyk

1995

Opening of the first Biedronka store

1997

Jerónimo Martins acquires Biedronka stores

Launch of the first Private Brand product – beer VIP

1998

2004

Biedronka becomes a Superbrand for the first time

2006

Food collections start at Biedronka

2007

1,000 stores

Partnership with Caritas starts during family festivals organized for the Children's Day

2008

Acquisition of Plus network of stores

2013

2010

Biedronka becomes the official sponsor of Polish Football Association

Launch of Biedronka Health Academy for employees

2015

First edition of the Piórko – Biedronka Children’s literature prize

First loyalty campaign at Biedronka - Gang Świeżaków

2016

2019

3,000 stores

Fresh soup factory in Brwinów starts its operations

2017

2020

Launch of the Biedronka Foundation

2021

Biedronka becomes the main sponsor of the Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy

BIEK q-commerce deliveries is launched

2022

Biedronka, the Jerónimo Martins Group and the Biedronka Foundation donate almost PLN 65 million to support refugees from Ukraine

Launch of Biedronka Home

More than 1,000 stores with photovoltaic panels on their roofs

2024

2025

30 years of history

Timeline

Our Shared History

From our first stores in Poznań and the surrounding areas in 1995 to becoming one of Poland’s most trusted brands — every milestone has been a step forward, taken together. Here are some of the key moments of our history.

4,000 stores

2026

Biedronka Today

Facts & Figures

After three decades of operations, our chain not only sets retail standards but also remains the largest employer in the country and a key operational segment of the Group with more than 85,000 employees.

3,829

stores

17

distribution centers

5 million

customers served daily

1,300

towns and villages

85,000

employees

94%

products from Polish suppliers

Andrzej Szlęzak

Former Board Member of the Jerónimo Martins Group

Played a pivotal role in setting the foundations of Jerónimo Martins’ ownership of the business in the changing landscape of Poland in the 1990s. He was a Board Member of Jerónimo Martins for more than a decade and an important advisor throughout the years.

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Anna Sierpińska

Former Member of the Board, Biedronka

Former employee of Elektromis – which was sold to Jerónimo Martins in 1995. Being the chosen translator in the negotiations between Jerónimo Martins and Mariusz Świtalski, Anna testified firsthand major changes in the Company under the new ownership. Served 20 years in Biedronka in key positions, during which she was a valuable contributor to the brand’s equity and strength.

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Bartosz Ciuruś

Operations Executive Director, Biedronka Slovakia

Having been chosen to lead operations in Slovakia, Bartosz shares his insights on how it takes to incorporate Biedronka’s operational focus and strength in a different country.

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Bartosz Goździk

Commercial Director, Biedronka

Joined Biedronka in 2005, starting as category manager and category director in the commercial area. Also worked for the Group in Portugal, incorporated in the Global Sourcing team. Back in Biedronka, he is now one of the Company’s commercial directors.

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Dariusz Lambryczak

Security Director, Biedronka

Started working for Jerónimo Martins in 1995 when the Company bought Eurocash and has been responsible for ensuring the security coordination of the whole Biedronka chain since the beginning.

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Dariusz Sapiński

President, Mlekovita cooperative

A trusted partner of Biedronka for the last three decades, Mlekovita began its collaboration in 1998. Known for its innovation, quality, and reliability, Mlekovita has grown alongside Biedronka, adapting to evolving consumer needs and contributing to the success of Poland’s modern retail market. The partnership is built on mutual trust, shared ambition, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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Dorota Wrotek-Gut

Marketing Director, Biedronka

Dorota joined Biedronka in 2004 and has been a key piece in the company’s history of brand value creation, testifying for the evolution of the marketing strategies across the decades while contributing with some of the most memorable campaigns of the Company.

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Grzegorz Kołodko

Deputy Prime-Minister of Poland (1994-1997, 2002-2003)

Distinguished economist, responsible for “strategy for Poland” in 1994. former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland, and founder of TIGER (Transformation, Integration, and Globalization Economic Research) at Koźmiński University. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to economic transformation and for developing the concept of "New Pragmatism."

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Grzegorz Pytko

Chief Commercial Officer, Biedronka

Working for Biedronka for more than 20 years now, Grzegorz testifies on how different today’s Biedronka is from what it was in the early 2000s, while sharing how Biedronka’s determination to live up to its promise of price leadership has been ensuring the pole position in the Polish food retail market.

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Hanna Kicza

Risk Management Senior Manager, Biedronka

She previously worked as Manager of the Operations and Cost Effectiveness Control Department at Jeronimo Martins Polska. She has worked at Biedronka continuously since April 1995.

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Jan Krzysztof Bielecki

Prime-Minister of Poland (1991)

Politician and economist, an important member of the Liberal Democratic Congress (KLD), a pro-market political party founded in Gdansk in 1990, emerging from the liberal wing of the Solidarity movement. He was Prime-Minister of Poland in 1991, President of Bank Pekao and President of the Polish Institute of International Affairs between 2009-2015.

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Jaroslaw Sobczyk

Chief People Officer, Biedronka

Serving as HR Director and member of the Management Board of Jerónimo Martins Polska for the last 10 years, Jaroslaw Sobczyk explains the key factors behind Biedronka’s culture and what makes this Company unique.

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Jerzy Hausner

Deputy Prime-Minister of Poland (2003-2005)

Economist, scholar, and politician. Member of the Monetary Policy Council 2010-2016. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in multiple Polish governments, including roles in labour, economy, and social policy. Served in Parliament (2001–2005) and held advisory and leadership positions in government reform. Member of the Polish Economic Society and the Polish Academy of Sciences. Council member of the Biedronka Foundation since 2020.

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Joanna Lukosek-Mendel

Chief Operations & Development Officer, Biedronka

Joined Biedronka in 2006 and served the company and the Jerónimo Martins Group in multiple areas for nearly two decades, including logistics, supply chain and commercial. She is currently one of the Company’s Chief Operations Officers.

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Justyna Szymani

Director of Own Brand Quality Development, Biedronka

Justyna has been with Biedronka for the last 21 years. She is the Director of Private Brand Quality Development and Control and talks about the importance of partnerships with private label suppliers, highlighting how some of Biedronka’s Private Brands have become true market leaders.

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Kamil Cygnarowicz

Commercial Director – Perishables, Biedronka

Serving now as the Commercial Director responsible for Perishables in Biedronka in Poland, Kamil represents a younger generation of leaders, sharing his thoughts about how he envisions Biedronka’s future.

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Kamila Frąckowiak-Jankowski

E-commerce Director, Biedronka

Kamila joined Biedronka in 2017 as a Management Trainee and was part of the team that launched BIEK, the brand’s ultra-fast grocery delivery service. She now leads Biedronka’s e-commerce, driving its mission of convenience and proximity, always at the lowest price.

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Katarzyna Scheer

President of the Biedronka Foundation

With a vast management experience of more than two decades, Katarzyna was Corporate Communications Director of Biedronka for 4 years and since 2020 she is the President of Biedronka Foundation, whose main mission is to help the needed elderly in Poland.

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Krzysztof Kołodziej

Operations Director, Biedronka

Serving at Biedronka since 1999, Krzysztof is currently Operations Director in Brzeg. With over two decades of experience, he brings deep insight into the resilience, dedication, and hard work that have driven Biedronka’s sustained growth and success.

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Leszek Balcerowicz

Polish economist, statesman, and Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics

Served twice as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (1989–1991, 1997–2001), playing a pivotal role in Poland’s transition from a centrally planned economy to a free-market system. As architect of the landmark Balcerowicz Plan, he led bold reforms that stabilized the economy and laid the foundation for Poland’s growth. From 2001 to 2007, he was President of the National Bank of Poland.

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Luis Amaral

Ex Jeronimo Martins, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Eurocash Group

A pioneer in Polish retail, Luis Amaral led the first Jerónimo Martins team in Poland, playing a key role in launching its operations. As the main Portuguese interlocutor for Mariusz Świtalski on the family shareholder side, he witnessed firsthand the bold and adventurous journey of bringing a Portuguese business vision to a rapidly transforming market.

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Luís Araújo

CEO of Biedronka

Serving as Biedronka’s CEO for nearly one decade now, Luís received the “special assignment” to bring Biedronka back to growth after a short period of stagnation. He led the Company throughout extraordinary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflationary period, being well-known for always going for the extra-mile. Under his leadership, the Company reinforced its “fighting spirit”, regained momentum and built muscle to go beyond borders.

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Łukasz Bagniuk

Controlling Director, Biedronka

Lukasz has been in Biedronka since 2014 and, at 35, he has recently been nominated Controlling Director of the Company. He has also worked for the Group in Portugal, namely in the specialized retail and logistics.

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Łukasz Kaminiarz

CEO, Luke’s Tomatoes

Łukasz Kaminiarz has been a key partner of Biedronka for over two decades, starting with the Grace variety of red tomato. His farm was the first in Poland to launch dedicated production of vine tomatoes (Pomidor Gałązka Luz) for Biedronka, replacing traditional round tomatoes. He is also the exclusive supplier of Belido cherry tomatoes, available only in Biedronka stores. His long-standing collaboration reflects innovation, trust, and shared growth, with his business evolving alongside Biedronka’s development in the fresh produce category.

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Maciej Krupiński

CEO, u Jędrusia

A family-owned company with 100% Polish capital, “u Jędrusia” began its partnership with Biedronka in 2008, initially supplying chilled dumplings. Over the years, the range expanded further, reflecting a shared commitment to quality and innovation. Founded in 1980 by Maria and Andrzej Krupiński, the business is now led by the second generation, Maciej and Katarzyna Krupiński. From a single plant in Morawica to a production footprint of over 30,000 m², “u Jędrusia” has grown alongside Biedronka, driven by trust, ambition, and a passion for Polish culinary tradition.

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Maciej Łukowski

CEO, Biedronka Slovakia

With over 25 years at Jerónimo Martins, including six in Portugal, Maciej has played a key role in Biedronka’s growth in Poland. Now leading the Company’s first international expansion, he offers a unique perspective on this historic milestone — what it means for the brand, which elements of Biedronka’s DNA can be successfully replicated abroad, and how he envisions its future beyond borders.

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Marek Kopyto

CEO, Kilargo

Kilargo has been a trusted partner of Biedronka since 2007. Starting with just three ice cream varieties, the company now produces over 50 flavours and formats. This partnership has driven continuous investment in technology, production capacity, and category leadership, making Marletto one of Poland’s most recognisable ice cream brands.

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Marek Złakowski

Digital & Customer Relations Development Director, Biedronka

Marek joined Biedronka in 1997 as a trainee and now leads all digital business areas, including analytics, the mobile app, Biedronka Home and BIEK. With nearly 30 years at the Company, his journey offers a unique perspective on Biedronka’s evolution — bridging its early days with its digital future and reflecting the brand’s enduring sense of readiness and adaptability.

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Mariusz Panufnik

Commercial Director, Biedronka

Mariusz joined Biedronka in 2001 and currently serves as one of its Commercial Directors. Previously an Operations Director, his career reflects how professional growth at Biedronka is shaped by adaptability, embracing change, and overcoming diverse challenges, hallmarks of the company’s dynamic culture.

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Mikołaj Gala

Director of the Buying Department, Biedronka Slovakia

A representative of a new generation of senior leadership, Mikołaj is responsible for shaping Biedronka’s commercial strategy in Slovakia. He brings fresh perspective to the challenge of building an offer that delivers on Biedronka’s brand promise while meeting the expectations of Slovak consumers.

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Paweł Stolecki

National Chief Operations Officer, Biedronka

With over 25 years at Biedronka, all within Operations across various leadership levels, Paweł embodies the discipline, resilience, and deep-rooted Polish spirit that define the company’s leadership. His journey reflects the pride and determination behind Biedronka’s 30 years of continuous growth and success.

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Paweł Włodarczyk

Macroregion Chief Operations Officer, Biedronka

Paweł has been with Biedronka since 1998 and currently serves as Chief Operations Officer for the Western Zone. Widely respected across the company, he offers valuable insights into the strength of Biedronka’s culture and leadership, and the key factors behind its long-standing success.

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Pedro Soares dos Santos

Chairman and CEO of Jerónimo Martins

Participated in the strategic decision to invest in Poland and divest Brazil when the financial crisis hit the Group. In the beginning of the millennium, Mr. Pedro Santos moved to Poland, becoming pivotal in the business turnaround. CEO of the Jerónimo Martins Group since April 2010 and also Chairman of the Board of Directors since December 2013.

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Piotr Jutkiewicz

CEO, Bewa

BEWA is a producer of water and other beverages, which has been working with Biedronka since 1998. The cooperation began with Oaza water in 1.5L and 5L bottles. By 2025, together with Biedronka, it had launched 160 different products, including NFC juices, several dozen of which remain in Biedronka's permanent offer.

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Tadeusz Leszczyński

Former Director of Organisational Culture and Leadership, Biedronka

With a long-standing career in Biedronka, including key roles in Operations and a period working with Jerónimo Martins in Portugal, Tadeusz brings a deep understanding of the company’s values and evolution. His strong emotional connection to Jerónimo Martins reflects his commitment to the Group’s culture.

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Tomasz Wielgomas

Board member of Dawtona

Dawtona is a Polish family business with over 30 years of tradition, based in Błonie near Warsaw. It processes fresh fruit and vegetables harvested from its own fields. Dawtona has been supplying products to Biedronka since the very beginning, from the first store opened in 1995. The first product was 70g tomato concentrate.

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Wojciech Józefowski

Operations Director, Biedronka

One of the few who has been with Biedronka since Day 1, Wojciech brings a unique perspective on what it takes to keep pace with a fast-moving company. His story reflects the determination, adaptability, and pride that have fuelled Biedronka’s journey from its beginnings to becoming a market leader.

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Wojciech Kozar

Commercial Director, Biedronka

With Biedronka since 2007, Wojciech is one of the company’s key players in the commercial area. He oversees categories such as dairy, charcuterie, and preserved products, and is widely respected for his deep expertise in Private Label development, an essential pillar of Biedronka’s value proposition.

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Zbigniew Chołyk

CEO, Stryjno Sad

Stryjno Sad has been supplying apples to Biedronka since 2001, building a long-standing partnership based on quality, reliability, and shared growth. In 2021, Stryjno Sad introduced the exclusive Magic Star variety to Poland in collaboration with Biedronka and Fresh Forward, earning the Modern Retail Award in 2024.

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Jakub Kamiński

Polish National Football Team Player

Jakub, a Polish football representative, who, including youth appearances, already has several dozen appearances and his first goals to his name. He shares his thoughts on what trust is and how important it is to work with sponsors such as Biedronka.

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Kamil Grabara

Polish National Football Team Player

The two-time Danish champion is rapidly advancing his career outside Poland, having started his journey with a transfer to Liverpool FC at the age of 17.

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Kamil Grosicki

Polish National Football Team Player

A legendary footballer who continues to give his all to the national team. He presents his perspective from the point of view of his many years of experience.

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Arleta Pająk, Katarzyna Kwapich

Biedronka Team Members since 1995

Arleta and Katarzyna have been with Biedronka since the very beginning in 1995. They share their thoughts on what the stores looked like in the beginning, how they have evolved, and reveal why they would never change this job.

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Paweł Wszołek

Polish National Football Team Player

A multiple Polish international explains how important the support of fans and sponsors is for the national team.

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Andrzej Duda

President of Poland (2015-2025)

What role can a retail chain play in international politics? The answer may be surprising, as President Duda reveals the behind-the-scenes details of the talks.

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Opening of the first Biedronka store

Jerónimo Martins acquires Biedronka stores

Launch of the first Private Brand product – beer VIP

Biedronka becomes a Superbrand for the first time

Food collections start at Biedronka

Partnership with Caritas starts during family festivals organized for the Children's Day

1,000 stores

Acquisition of Plus network of stores

Biedronka becomes the official sponsor of Polish Football Association

First edition of the Piórko – Biedronka Children’s literature prize

Fresh soup factory in Brwinów starts its operations

3,000 stores

Launch of the Biedronka Foundation

Biedronka becomes the main sponsor of the Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy

BIEK q-commerce deliveries is launched

Biedronka, the Jerónimo Martins Group and the Biedronka Foundation donate almost PLN 65 million to support refugees from Ukraine

Launch of Biedronka Home

More than 1,000 stores with photovoltaic panels on their roofs

30 years of history

First loyalty campaign at Biedronka - Gang Świeżaków

4,000 stores

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