Sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume for sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in Croatia grew from 275.3 million litres to 291.8 million litres. This expansion was supported by increasing consumer demand for bottled water and a shift in preferences toward healthier alternatives to sugary drinks, such as flavoured waters. The publication of new regulations in 2019, which set stricter safety, quality, and labelling requirements for natural mineral, spring, and table waters, helped formalize the market framework.

After a contraction to 260.3 million litres in 2020, the market rebounded sharply to 328.9 million litres in 2021. The surge in 2021 was directly linked to pandemic-driven changes in consumer habits, including remote work, which boosted demand for bottled water. The growing popularity of flavoured products as a segment between soft drinks and plain water further drove consumption, reinforced by the strong market presence of domestic leaders like Jamnica and Podravka in the carbonated mineral water category.

Following a period of stabilization around 323–304 million litres in 2022–2023, the market volume rose again to 334.9 million litres in 2024. This growth occurred alongside the implementation of new EU delegated regulations on drinking water, heightened requirements for transparent labelling—including CO2 content and source information—and continuous innovation in flavoured waters. Persistent consumer trends favoring health-oriented, naturally flavoured, and carbonated options provided underlying demand momentum throughout the period.

Production sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's production of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 156.9 million US dollars, marking a 14.8% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 194.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 1.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

In 2020, Croatia produced 237.3 million litres of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters, representing a significant drop of 10.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 2.0%.

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

Exports sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Croatia

Exports in kind, M l

Following two years of growth, Croatia's exports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters declined. In 2020, the country exported 93.3 million litres, which is 12.3% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 106.3 million litres, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary were consistently the main destinations for Croatia's exports in volume terms. Slovenia accounted for 42.5% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 22.1%, and Hungary for 12.4%, together making up 77.0% 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

After two years of growth, Croatia's exports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in value terms declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 43 149 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decrease of 16.0% compared to 2019. The highest value was in 2019 at 51 363 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 17.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary were the primary destinations for Croatia's exports in value terms. Slovenia held a 47.8% share, Bosnia and Herzegovina 22.9%, and Hungary 6.8%, collectively accounting for 77.5% 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 sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters to Croatia

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of increase, Croatia's imports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in volume terms declined. In 2020, import volume totalled 116.3 million litres, down 12.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.5%, with an average annual rate of 3.1%. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 133.1 million litres, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 12.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary consistently served as the main sources for Croatia's imports in volume terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 38.3% of imports, Slovenia for 21.3%, and Hungary for 14.0%, together representing 73.6% 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

Following two years of growth, Croatia's imports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 57 152 thousand US dollars, showing a strong decrease of 10.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 20%, averaging an annual growth of 6.3%. The peak value was in 2019 at 63 741 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 22.0%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary were the key sources for Croatia's imports in value terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina contributed 22.5%, Slovenia 18.0%, and Hungary 17.7%, with a combined share of 58.3% of total import value.

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

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