Family businesses have long been among the most stable contributors to the Polish economy. Today, however, they must reconcile family values with the challenges of global competition, digitisation and rapidly changing customer expectations.

The latest report from the Family Business Foundation shows that 69 per cent of Poles opt for products from Polish family businesses and 42 per cent would pay more for them if the quality is comparable to that offered by competitors. Consequently, more and more importance is attached not only to the price but also to quality, functionality, transparency of origin and brand authenticity.

‘A family business is a value in itself and, if nurtured, can be a source of pride for all family members. It is important to learn how to thrive within it without losing sight of who you are,’ says Katarzyna Grupińska of the Family Business Foundation. ‘An entrepreneur brings their true self to their business – their inner strength, sensitivity and talent. Over time, this forms the basis of family business culture that customers can appreciate.

From a coffee and tea shop to presence in 80 countries

One example of a multi-generational enterprise is the Mokate Group. Its modern history began in 1990. However, the roots of the Mokrysz family business can be traced back to 1900 when Josef Mokryš opened a shop in Dobra in the Cieszyn Silesia (now part of the Czech Republic) selling, among other products, coffee and tea. More than 120 years later, the Group sells its products in almost 80 countries and generates annual revenue of around PLN 1.5 billion.

Mokate’s history clearly illustrates how the succession model in family businesses is changing. Increasingly, the next generation is not only taking over responsibility for the existing business but also sets new directions for its development. Within the Mokate Group, this process is well illustrated by the activities of Sylwia Mokrysz, a representative of the family’s fourth generation.

Over the years, Mokate has built its position primarily through consumer products. Today, the company is also developing its B2B segment which includes ingredients and semi-finished products for food and beverage manufacturers. This area already accounts for approximately one-third of the Group’s revenue, reflecting changes in the European food market.

Innovation as a process

In family-run businesses, innovation is less and less frequently taking the form of one-off projects. Instead, it is becoming part of a long-term strategy based on trend analysis, technological development and observation of the changing consumer needs. Functional foods, premium products, sugar-free products and matcha-based ranges are among the categories gaining in importance.

‘The most sustainable innovations arise when a company develops new products without compromising the credibility of its core brands. This is one of the most challenging strategic competencies,’ emphasises Sylwia Mokrysz.

Knowledge as a management tool

One example of this approach is the establishment of the Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute (CTMRI) which was initiated by Sylwia Mokrysz. The Institute analyses the global coffee and tea market, monitors trends and conducts research on consumer behaviour. Its aim is to combine scientific knowledge with the business practice. The research findings are intended to help entrepreneurs better understand changes taking place in the market, enabling them to make data-driven decisions rather than decisions based solely on experience.

Sylwia Mokrysz

Member of the management board and proxy of the Mokate Group, representing the fourth generation of the Mokrysz family. She holds a PhD in social sciences, specialising in management and quality science. She is responsible for new product development, research and development operations, and the internationalisation of the Mokate Group.

She initiated the establishment of the Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute (CTMRI) which conducts research on the global coffee and tea market. The Institute carries out research projects in collaboration with the academic community and publishes the peer-reviewed Coffee & Tea Marketing Journal in English which has been indexed in five academic databases since 2024.

She is also involved in the development of women’s entrepreneurship. In 2016, she represented Poland at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day held at the UN headquarters in New York. She is the Polish Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship and participates in the international mentoring programme: “Million Women Mentors.”