Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian market for salted and smoked pork bellies expanded significantly from 2018 to 2019, aided by a large influx of imported piglets that increased the domestic fattening base and the full implementation of standardized carcass sorting and labeling rules, which clarified market entry requirements. This growth was interrupted in 2020 by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to logistics and sales channels, with the slight contraction extending into 2021 following the introduction of mandatory zootechnical certificates that added new traceability obligations for producers.

Market volume recovered strongly in 2022 as a decline in pork carcass purchase prices lowered production costs. The 2023 outbreak of African swine fever threatened supply, but a dedicated government income-support program for breeders mitigated production losses, stabilizing the market. Further growth in 2024 was supported by updated carcass labeling regulations, a new law banning unfair trading practices to protect domestic producers, and the continuation of financial aid for disease control.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 46 336 thousand US dollars, marking a 7.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 47%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 26 829 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 60.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Croatia's production volume of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, 6 005 tonnes were produced, remaining stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 19.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 810 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 24.1%. Conversely, 2019 had the largest increase of 57.1%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 525.5 tonnes, showing a 39.3% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 100.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Austria, and Germany were the top contributors to Croatia's exports in kind. Slovenia accounted for 56.1% of exports, while Austria and Germany each made up 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented 73.8% 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, K $ US

Croatia's export value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 965 thousand US dollars, constituting a 67.2% advance versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 147.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 35.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Germany, and Sweden formed the core of Croatia's exports in value terms. Slovenia contributed 51.0% of exports, Germany 11.0%, and Sweden 10.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.3% of total export 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 salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 4.7-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Croatia imported 147.8 tonnes of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts, which is 40.6% lower than the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 687.6 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 106.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 63.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Germany consistently remained the main sources for Croatia's imports in kind. Italy accounted for 28.2% of imports, Slovenia 21.9%, and Germany 15.9%. Together, these three countries represented 66.0% of total import 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

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import values peaked in 2018 and bottomed out in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 3.7 times. In 2020, foreign supplies of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts to Croatia totaled 903 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp decrease of 31.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 364 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 133.3%. Conversely, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 60.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Germany played the leading roles in Croatia's imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 35.7% of imports, Slovenia 17.1%, and Germany 16.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 69.7% of total import flows.

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

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