Sausages and similar meat products market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sausages and similar meat products in Croatia saw moderate volume fluctuations from 2018 to 2020. In 2018, declining sales of durable and semi-durable meat products, which represent a large segment, likely tempered growth, while producer focus shifted toward traditional methods using natural spices and fewer additives. The following year, verified compliance of protected autochthonous products with origin standards bolstered trust in local specialties. Market volume dipped to 61.4 thousand tonnes in 2020, a year that also saw the introduction of an innovative product—boiled sausages made from lamb meat—expanding the variety available to consumers.

Post-2020, the market entered a gradual recovery phase. Volume stabilized at 61.5 thousand tonnes in 2021 under ongoing veterinary-sanitary oversight and regulations governing traditional household production. Growth to 62.2 thousand tonnes in 2022 aligned with increased affirmation and improved market positioning of domestic meat specialties such as Slavonian and Baranja kulen and Croatian pršut. This enhanced recognition and reputation among consumers helped stimulate demand and supported market expansion.

Market volume continued its upward trajectory in 2023 and 2024, reaching 63.5 thousand tonnes by the end of the period. Concurrently, the market's value rose sharply from $268.7 million in 2022 to $351.9 million in 2024, reflecting a notable shift toward higher-value products, likely driven by the strengthened appeal and premium positioning of traditional meat specialties.

Production sausages and similar meat products in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's production of sausages and similar meat products has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 258.0 million US dollars, showing a modest 5.1% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's production of sausages and similar meat products declined. In 2020, output was 58 146 tonnes, remaining largely unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 58 205 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 2.7% also occurring that year.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's exports of sausages and similar meat products have expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 7 157 tonnes, marking a limited 10.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 62.5%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 17.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the primary destinations for Croatia's exports of sausages and similar meat products in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 32.6% of exports, Slovenia for 25.1%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 17.1%. Together, these three countries represented 74.8% 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 exports of sausages and similar meat products have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 31.694 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 28.6% uptick from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 73.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina remained the top buyers of Croatia's sausages and similar meat products in value terms. Serbia held a 23.2% share of exports, Slovenia 23.0%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 65.3% 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 sausages and similar meat products to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Croatia's imports of sausages and similar meat products declined. In 2020, imports stood at 10 371 tonnes, down 11.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual decline of 2.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 711 tonnes, while the largest annual increase of 2.2% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary were the leading sources for Croatia's imports of sausages and similar meat products in volume terms. Italy contributed 50.6% of imports, Slovenia 22.9%, and Hungary 7.1%. Together, these three countries made up 80.6% 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

Croatia's imports of sausages and similar meat products have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 26.607 million US dollars, showing a controlled 4.9% decrease from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 7.3%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 2.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Germany formed the core group of suppliers for Croatia's imports of sausages and similar meat products in value terms. Italy accounted for 38.2% of imports, Slovenia for 27.0%, and Germany for 10.5%. Combined, these three markets represented 75.6% 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