An increase in grain coffee intake in West European countries is simultaneous to an increase in export of dried chicory, whose "Cykoria" in Wierzchosławice is the greatest producer in Poland. In spite of its name being popular, the majority of consumers associate "Cykoria" S.A. in Wierzchosławice (Powiat Inowrocław) with a wide spectrum of well-known products from the group of concentrates – seasonings, dried vegetables, jellies, pudding, to name only a few. Processing chicory roots, despite generating only about 6-7 percent of revenues in sales terms, still constitutes a very important segment in the Company's activity, and as it turns out, there are promising perspectives for export. The Company located in Wierzchosławice is considered to be the domestic leader in producing dried chicory used as a basic additive to grain coffee and more often to "mixes" – mixes of grain coffee and natural coffee. From 1953 to the end of the 90's chicory processing was the one and only profile of the company. T

hen there was a huge increase in production and trade expansion in the field of catering concentrates. Chicory was not abandoned or brought to the background. On the one hand, the tradition of producing chicory is well-established, and on the other hand, its production proves profitable. In Poland only a drying plant in Międzyrzecze processes chicory, although on a less scale. "Grain coffee" on top. In the 80's and 90's of the last century in Poland there was a huge decrease in grain coffee intake, with the exception of products of "instant" type. Nowadays the tendency seems to be changing. Also on the West there is an increase in popularity of grain coffees seen as being healthy breakfast drinks. It happens so particularly in Germany, Switzerland, France and Austria. That is why there are more and more orders for dried chicory which has been present on the market for a long time.

Henryk Dorawa, President of the Board of Directors "Cykoria" S.A.: We are planning new investments which are expected to boost our sales. - With regard to good perspectives for export we are planning investments which will make it possible to process chicory in a more technologically advanced manner in parched form, which will simultaneously boost sales. This year we are installing appliances bought in Germany used for parching dried chicory for about a million zloty – said to "Gazeta Pomorska" Henryk Dorawa, President of the Board of Directors "Cykoria" S.A. Polish capital. Such plans are gaining favour among planters in our region who has grown chicory for the needs of Wierzchosławice for a long time, and provide economical stability and guarantee further contracts in the near future. "Cykoria" S.A., which employs about 700 employees, is the company that is based on Polish capital. 80 percent of stocks belongs to employees, the rest to institutions, mainly wholesalers cooperating with the company for a long time.