Margarine market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for margarine in Croatia declined from 9 757 t in 2018 to 7 917 t in 2024, representing a contraction of nearly 19% over the seven-year period. This downward trend was interrupted only by a temporary recovery in 2021, when volume increased by 6.1% to 9 551 t, following a significant drop during the previous year.

In value terms, the market presented a contrasting picture, growing from $16.8 million in 2018 to a peak of $21.2 million in 2023, before receding to $19.0 million in 2024. This rise in market value, particularly from 2021 to 2023, occurred despite falling physical volumes, indicating substantial price increases that were likely driven by higher production costs.

The market volume fell by a further 8.4% in 2024. This decline was supported by the constrained purchasing power of Croatian households, which remains below the EU average, limiting consumer demand. A concurrent shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more sustainable food products also reduced interest in margarine, contributing to the market's contraction.

Production margarine in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's margarine production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 17 154 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 1.9% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 17.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Croatia's margarine production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 9 813 tonnes of margarine were produced, indicating a gradual drop of 5.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 7.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 646 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 0.4%.

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

Exports margarine from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Exported margarine volumes from Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 3 367 tonnes, showing a fall of 9.7% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 940 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was strongly concentrated on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia, which together accounted for 87.2% of total flows, while other partners formed a residual share.

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

Croatia's margarine exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 4 813 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a modest decline of 5.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia concentrated the majority of exports in value terms of margarine from Croatia, whereas other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

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

Imports margarine to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Foreign margarine supplies to Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia imported a total of 2 553 tonnes of margarine, amounting to a substantial drop of 13.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 050 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 14.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (52.6% of imports in kind), Hungary (13.6% of imports in kind), and Serbia (7.7% of imports in kind) were the principal sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 74.0% of total flows.

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

Cross-border shipments of margarine to Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 3 068 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a strong reduction of 11.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 782 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 16.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (48.9% of imports in value terms), Hungary (18.2% of imports in value terms), and Belgium (7.2% of imports in value terms) were the main markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 74.3% 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