The article presents an assessment of the size and importance of open innovation model in the food industry in Poland. The analysis showed that the food industry often use the model of closed than open innovation. This is indicated by a small percentage of enterprises which cooperate in the field of innovation and cluster initiatives. Cooperation with other entities, which is the basis for the concept of open innovation, is also an important factor that encourages to the innovation processes – a higher level of innovativeness of beverage producers was linked to their greater propensity to cooperate. In conclusion it can be said that the concept of open and closed innovation, can’t substitute but should be a complementary activity. Strategy of the enterprises should take into account critical areas that should be protected, and those in which the activity of the open innovation can accelerate innovation processes.