Poland is the largest producer of vigil lights and candles in the European Union (EU). Its main competitors, Germany, are far behind, despite their second place. Polish companies produced almost 400 million kg of candles worth nearly €990 million in 2022, according to data from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

The second large producer of candles is Germany which produced 90 million kg of them with a total value of €250 million. This is 70 % less than Poland. The third place in this respect was taken by the Italians, who produced candles worth €119 million in 2022.

Poland not only produces the most vigil lights and candles but is also their largest exporter. According to Eurostat data, it exported candles worth €545 million in 2019 (38 % of total EU candle exports by value). The next largest exporters are the Netherlands (€198 million, 14 %) and Germany (€143 million, 10 %).

In 2019, almost half (46 %) of EU exports of candles and vigil lights reached the UK. The Swiss (13 % of exports) and the Norwegians (12 %) are also interested in such products.

EU countries produced in 2022 vigil lights and candles for more than €2 billion 400 million. This means that the value of candle and candle production in the EU has increased by 86 % in 10 years. From year (2021) to year (2022), the value of production increased by 25 %.

The increase in value also applies to Poland. In 2012, it produced vigil lights and candles worth around €400 million. Last year, it was already close to EUR 990 million. It means an increase of around 140 % over 10 years. In turn, the year-on-year increase is 30 %. In both the EU and Poland, the value of production has noticeably jumped in 2021.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński