Food preparations for infants market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for infant food preparations in Croatia showed considerable movement, starting at 2 599 tons in 2018 before declining to 2 114 tons in 2019. It then rebounded strongly to 2 911 tons in 2020 and reached 3 963 tons in 2021. In value terms, the market followed a similar trajectory, falling from 17.6 million US dollars to 12.2 million in 2019, then growing to 18.0 million in 2020 and 24.4 million in 2021.

Specific factors influenced the market from 2022 onward. The national food consumption survey completed in 2022 provided detailed data on infant feeding patterns, which likely supported product development and contributed to the market volume growing to 4 229 tons that year. In 2023, volume dipped slightly to 3 973 tons while value increased to 29.6 million US dollars, a period that saw agricultural policy reforms and a rise in recognized producer organizations, potentially affecting supply chain dynamics and product quality. The market volume recovered to 4 020 tons in 2024, driven by the implementation of a new law on food for infants that aligned with EU regulations and by growing consumer preference for fortified, organic, and convenient products, which prompted major companies to expand their offerings.

Production food preparations for infants in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Croatia's production of food preparations for infants increased in value. In 2020, output was valued at 47 032 K $ US, up by 1.0% from the previous year. Production decreased by 11.7% between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 46 575 K $ US, with the largest decline of 8.0% occurring in 2018.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Croatia ranked as the 9th largest producer of food preparations for infants from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

World map of production of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

Food preparations for infants production in Croatia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 9 162 t were produced, marking a slight drop of 2.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%.

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

Exports food preparations for infants from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, food preparations for infants exports from Croatia amounted to 8 305 t, a reduction of 9.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 23.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.5%. The largest decline of 16.0% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 0.4% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Austria consistently led the country structure of exports in kind, accounting for 46.0%, 13.8%, and 4.4% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 64.2% of total 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, K $ US

In 2020, food preparations for infants deliveries from Croatia amounted to 48 308 K $ US, a decrease of 4.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 47 138 K $ US, with the largest decline of 7.7% also in 2018, while the largest increase of 6.8% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Vietnam were the main destinations for exports in value terms, accounting for 42.0%, 9.9%, and 6.9% of exports, respectively. Together, they absorbed 58.8% of total exports in value terms from Croatia.

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

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

Imports food preparations for infants to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia imported a total of 8 305 t of food preparations for infants in 2020, which is 8.5% more than the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 34.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The largest decline of 0.9% was recorded in 2019, while the largest increase of 25.1% occurred in 2018.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Ireland, and Slovenia continued to head the list of suppliers of food preparations for infants to Croatia, accounting for 32.6%, 16.9%, and 13.9% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they took 63.5% of total imports in kind.

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, K $ US

Food preparations for infants imports into Croatia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia imported approximately 19 304 K $ US, up by 21.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 78.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Ireland remained the key directions for imports in value terms, accounting for 28.3%, 23.7%, and 20.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they took 72.9% of total flows.

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

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