Bread market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian bread market began the 2018–2024 period with a robust volume of 257.6 thousand tons in 2018. This strength was underpinned by Croatia's accession to the European Union, which facilitated placement of bakery products on the common market and enhanced sector competitiveness. High per capita consumption of 62 kg annually, among the highest in Europe, further supported demand. After a stable 2019, market volume contracted to 234.3 thousand tons in 2020.

A gradual recovery unfolded from 2021 onward, with market volume reaching 255.9 thousand tons by 2024. This expansion was driven by a substantial rise in imports of bakery products, which grew from 49 thousand tons in 2014 to 115.7 thousand tons in 2024, significantly augmenting supply. Concurrently, evolving consumer preferences towards healthier and artisanal options stimulated demand, highlighted by the launch of industrial sourdough bread by major market players like Mlinar, creating a new product segment.

In value terms, the market grew from $535.8 million in 2018 to $644.2 million in 2024. This increase reflected not only the volume recovery but also rising bread prices, which advanced faster than the EU average despite declines in raw material and energy costs.

Production bread in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's bread production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 359.4 million US dollars, down 10.7% from the previous year. Production decreased by 17.4% between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized decline of 6.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 461.6 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 12.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia ranked as the 12th largest producer of bread globally.

Top producers of bread, 2017-2020

World map of production of bread, 2017-2020

Croatia's bread production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 202.0 thousand tons of bread were produced, representing a modest decrease of 8.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bread from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's bread exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 17 716 tons of bread, showing a limited rise of 4.1% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 87.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina consistently led Croatia's bread export destinations by volume. Slovenia accounted for 29.6% of exports, Germany for 15.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 14.0%, together representing 59.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Croatia's bread export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 48.0 million US dollars, reflecting a gradual improvement of 6.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 79.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia remained the top destinations for Croatia's bread exports by value. Slovenia held a 26.5% share, Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.1%, and Serbia 13.9%, collectively accounting for 54.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020

Imports bread to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Croatia's bread import volume declined. In 2020, imports stood at 49 938 tons, down 7.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 18.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 53 953 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia imported bread from numerous countries, with even the largest suppliers—Germany, Italy, and Poland—collectively representing only 46.7% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Croatia's bread import value declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 117.8 million US dollars, showing a gradual decrease of 6.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 27.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 125.8 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia continued to be the main suppliers of bread to Croatia by value. Germany accounted for 25.3% of imports, Italy for 16.2%, and Slovenia for 10.5%, together forming 52.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020