Mineral and aerated waters market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian bottled water market grew from 274.1 million liters in 2018 to 279.6 million liters in 2019, supported by the establishment of a concession system for water extraction that provided long-term legal access to springs and new labeling rules allowing 'suitable for infant food' claims, which enhanced product appeal. The implementation of the Law on Agriculture in 2019 further facilitated imports by streamlining recognition procedures for waters from third countries, contributing to increased supply. Market volume contracted sharply to 231.6 million liters in 2020, then rebounded strongly to 277.6 million liters in 2021.

Sustained growth followed, with the market reaching 306.2 million liters in 2022 and 340.3 million liters in 2024. This expansion was primarily driven by a health-conscious shift in consumer preferences, where still and lightly mineralized water substituted for sweetened drinks, boosting demand. Concurrently, rising imports—from 67.2 million liters in 2020 to 110.8 million liters in 2024—fueled by strong demand for natural mineral water from neighboring countries, provided additional market volume. In 2023, the market stabilized at 302.3 million liters, supported by sustained import momentum.

By 2024, further growth was reinforced by the popularity of functional waters with added electrolytes, seasonal tourism consumption, and ongoing regulatory frameworks governing water concessions and packaging sustainability. Despite industry consolidation reflected in a declining number of producers, total market consumption continued to rise, underpinned by these demand-side factors and import dynamics.

Production mineral and aerated waters in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's mineral and aerated waters production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 89.8 million US dollars, representing a 22.2% decrease from the previous year. Production fell by 23.4% between 2017 and 2020, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 122.4 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 4.4% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Mineral and aerated waters production volume in Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia produced 231.6 million liters, marking an 18.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 283.9 million liters, while the largest annual increase of 0.1% also occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports mineral and aerated waters from Croatia

Exports in kind, M l

Croatia's mineral and aerated waters export volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 67.2 million liters, representing a 13.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 52.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (21.1% of export volume), Montenegro (18.0%), and Bunkers (17.4%) formed the core of Croatia's mineral and aerated waters exports, together accounting for 56.5% 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

Croatia's mineral and aerated waters export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 11 432 thousand US dollars, which is 18.7% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 14.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 14 320 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 7.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (38.3% of export value), Hungary (18.6%), and Slovenia (18.0%) led Croatia's mineral and aerated waters export structure, together representing 74.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports mineral and aerated waters to Croatia

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, Croatia's mineral and aerated waters import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 67.2 million liters, down 10.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 74.8 million liters, with the largest annual increase of 8.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Italy, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — together accounted for 80.1% of Croatia's mineral and aerated waters 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, K $ US

After two years of increase, Croatia's mineral and aerated waters import value declined. In 2020, import value reached 13 226 thousand US dollars, marking a significant decline of 13.9% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 15 353 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase of 14.6% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, three largest markets — Slovenia, Italy, and Austria — remained central to Croatia's mineral and aerated waters import value, together accounting for 73.4% 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