The papers aims to present the results of the analysis of total value of expenditure on innovation activities in the field of product and process innovations related to the acquisition of knowledge in the food industry enterprises in Poland in the years 2008-2011. They indicates that there was a global decline in these expenditures by over 28%. The decrease in these expenditures was recorded in the companies producing food and tobacco products. The increase in these expenditures was recorded in enterprises producing beverages. The study suggests that the food industry largely acquires knowledge in the framework of direct trade relations, as well as from external companies. For most of the surveyed enterprises of food industry knowledge management in the years 2007-2011 improved their economic performance or operating conditions thus contributing to their development and competitiveness.