Croatia's Tomato Prices Reach Record High

In Croatia, the price of fresh tomatoes has risen sharply. Ordinary tomatoes are now sold for up to €10 per kilogram, while cherry tomatoes can reach €15 per kilogram, overtaking the price of pork and veal in some markets. The surge is linked to higher production costs, including more expensive fertilizers, pesticides, seeds and labor, as well as the labor‑intensive harvest of small fruit. Domestic output remains limited; although total tomato production grew 60 % year‑on‑year, growers say supply cannot keep pace with demand. Imported tomatoes from Morocco and the Netherlands also appear on market stalls, often at lower prices. Small pre‑packaged portions hide the true per‑kilogram cost, leading many consumers to underestimate the expense while shopping.

Producers such as Senad Hujić of Donja Zelina and veteran grower Vladimir Stoičev note that rising input costs and competition from imports are the main drivers behind the record prices.