Croatia vegetable prices rise amid high margins and low production

Vegetable prices in Croatia have reached extreme levels, with some items like garlic or cherry tomatoes reaching 10 euros per kilogram. Experts suggest these high costs are not merely a result of inflation or supply chain issues, but are driven by structural weaknesses and increased retail margins. Since 2020, average trader margins on vegetables have reportedly risen from 30% to 60%.

The crisis is further exacerbated by a decline in domestic agricultural production. While the national strategy for 2030 aimed to establish 1,000 hectares of modern greenhouses, current figures show fewer than 650 hectares of closed cultivation areas. This has led to a heavy reliance on imports, resulting in record deficits for essential crops such as red onions.