Croatia's pork prices undercut grapes, prompting industry alarm

Retailers in Croatia have reduced pork prices dramatically, with a kilogram of pork shoulder now selling for €2.29, cheaper than black grapes at €2.79 per kilogram. Competing chains are offering other cuts such as pork loin at €2.35 and pork neck at €3.05 per kilogram, intensifying the price race.

Producers blame the slump on several factors: a new wave of African swine fever, illegal smuggling of pigs from Serbia into Dalmatia, and broader geopolitical shifts. Europe currently has a 15‑20% pork surplus after Chinese import restrictions were lifted, prompting major exporters like Spain to cut prices. Croatia’s self‑sufficiency in pork is about 50%, and farmers such as Mirko Kolić report losses of roughly €50 per pig, forcing production cuts to around 30% of previous levels.

The market price for pork half‑cuts is €1.40 per kilogram, translating to €1.12 on a live‑weight basis and €0.92 in the third price zone. Overall meat imports are projected to rise 18% by 2025, while domestic pork consumption has fallen 5%, prompting calls for state intervention to support the sector.