Three and a half decades ago, the idea for a family company was born in Ustron, Poland, which became one of the most recognisable brands in the world of coffee and tea. Today, Mokate products are sold in over 70 countries, and the company not only continues to expand, but also invests in innovation, market research and sustainable development. We talk to Dr Sylwia Mokrysz, proxy of Mokate SA, about the company’s journey from a local enterprise to a global brand, the strength of family values and the future of the industry.

What were the most important strategic challenges for Mokate the last year, and how did the company respond to them?

The past year was challenging mainly due to the high volatility of raw material and energy prices. In such conditions, it is crucial to remain calm and think long term rather than focusing on current market fluctuations. We diversified our purchasing destinations, strengthened our relationships with suppliers and invested in production efficiency. Data is also playing an increasingly important role. In cooperation with the Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute, we analyse changes in consumer behaviour and try to swiftly translate them into business decisions.

Which product development directions were most important for Mokate in 2025, and which consumer trends influenced these decisions?

In 2025, our main focus was on developing the high-quality tea segment, including matcha, green teas and herbal blends. An increasing number of consumers are paying attention not only to taste, but also to the quality and origin of the raw materials used. In coffee, on the other hand, we are seeing a growing trend towards ‘home cafés’ – an experience that was previously mainly associated with catering establishments. This means paying greater attention to the raw materials used, the production process and the brand’s history.

What conclusions can be drawn from 35 years of building a family business in the competitive coffee and tea market?

Above all, 35 years of family business has taught us the importance of responsibility and consistency. We think in terms of generations, which is why we make decisions with the long-term sustainability of the business in mind. Credibility, quality and long-term relationships with business partners are the values that build our position. At the same time, our company’s history shows that growth requires courage, particularly with regard to internationalisation and developing new product categories.

What does export growth look like at Mokate today, and which markets are most important for the company?

Export has been one of the key drivers of our growth for years. Last year, we strengthened our position in Central and Eastern European markets while developing relationships in Asia and selected Middle Eastern markets. We see a growing interest in European brands there, particularly in the higher-quality product segment. Online sales are also becoming increasingly important.

What role do environmental projects and social initiatives play in Mokate’s strategy today?

Environmental responsibility is now an integral part of the company’s strategy. We invest in reducing energy consumption, developing more environmentally friendly packaging and optimising production processes. At the same time, we run educational activities related to the coffee and tea market and conscious consumption. Local initiatives in the regions where our factories are located are also important.

And what are your priorities for 2026?

Our motto for 2026 is: ‘Passion Shapes the Future – Let’s Give it Flavour Together’. This means that the company growth starts with people – their ideas, energy and cooperation. This is why we are strengthening our organisational culture, which is based on commitment and sharing experiences between teams. At the same time, we are developing higher-quality products and solutions that cater to today’s consumer lifestyles.

What actions are key to further strengthening Mokate’s global position today?

Our goal is to continue developing our international presence in a stable and sustainable way. We are developing distribution partnerships outside Europe and strengthening our online sales channels. At the same time, we are analysing new sources of raw materials to increase supply chain security. We are building our global position primarily through quality and strong brands.

What innovations can we expect from Mokate over the next 12-24 months?

Today, innovation encompasses both products and technology. We are investing in the automation of production processes, digital quality control and new methods of processing raw materials. At the same time, we are developing solutions that respond to changing consumer lifestyles. The key is to combine beverage preparation convenience with high quality.

Which business and personal goals are most important to you today?

My goal is to further strengthen Mokate’s international position and develop our expertise in the coffee and tea market. Consumer education in this category is also important to me. At the same time, I am also involved in mentoring and supporting women in business, particularly in family businesses.