Polish ice cream magnate Marian Koral laid to rest in Nowy Sącz

Marian Koral, co-founder of one of Poland's largest ice cream production companies, died at the age of 74 after a long and serious illness. The entrepreneur's funeral ceremonies were held on March 11, 2026, in Nowy Sącz, drawing crowds of residents, employees, and representatives of the authorities. The ceremony began with a holy mass at St. Margaret's Basilica, where the deceased's contributions to the region and the national economy were remembered. St. Margaret's Basilica. The Ice Cream Production Company Koral, co-founded by Marian Koral, was established in 1979 in Nowy Sącz. The company, starting as a small artisanal workshop, eventually became one of the market leaders in Poland, now also having production lines in Limanowa and Rzeszów. The Koral brothers regularly appeared on lists of the richest Poles published by the weekly magazine Wprost, building the recognition of the Koral and Bracia Koral brands.

During the ceremony, it was announced that Polish President Andrzej Duda had posthumously awarded the deceased the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. The high state decoration was granted to Marian Koral for his outstanding contributions to the development of the Polish economy and for his extensive philanthropic and social activities for the local community. After the service, the funeral procession proceeded to the municipal cemetery on Śniadeckich Street, where the entrepreneur was laid to rest in an impressive family tomb. The final farewell to Marian Koral: March 11, 2026 — Funeral ceremonies; March 11, 2026 — State decoration; March 11, 2026 — Burial

Memories of the deceased dominated reports from the ceremony, with particular attention paid to his relationships with the company's staff. Employees, including Mrs. Władysława, described him as an employer with a big heart, who personally cared for the well-being of his staff. Media reports emphasized that Marian Koral, despite immense financial success, remained a modest person committed to the affairs of Nowy Sącz. „Nikt w żadnej pracy nie miał tak dobrze. Miał wielkie serce dla pracowników.” (No one had it so good in any job. He had a big heart for his employees.) — Mrs. Władysława via Super Express