Croatia sees 5.6% food price hike in a year, consumption stable

Food prices in Croatia have climbed by 5.6% over the past year, with consumers purchasing the same quantities, according to an analysis by NielsenIQ. The FMCG industry faces a complex environment influenced by global, regional, and local dynamics, impacting the domestic market.

From May 2025 to April 2026, prices in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector increased by an average of 4.6% compared to the previous year. Consumption grew by 1.4%, leading to a 6.1% rise in the overall turnover of the observed categories, the analysis for Ja Trgova magazine revealed.

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In the last year (May 2025-April 2026) compared to the previous year, prices in the FMCG sector, measured by NIQ's retail panel, increased by an average of 4.6%, and consumption by 1.4%, so the total turnover of the observed categories is 6.1% higher.

During the first four months of 2026, outside the tourist season, prices in Croatia were 3% higher, while consumption rose by 4.2%. This resulted in a 7.4% increase in total turnover compared to the same period in 2025. These figures represent an estimate of retail market sales, excluding pharmacies, specialized stores, and hospitality, and focus on around 150 food and non-food categories regularly monitored by NielsenIQ.

Notably, consumers continue to favor established brands over private labels. While the quantitative sales of private labels saw a slight annual decrease of 0.2% and a 1% drop since the beginning of 2026, consumer spending on brands increased by 2.6% over the past year and a significant 8.6% since the start of 2026. Key categories like coffee, chocolate, and chilled desserts experienced substantial price increases, with coffee alone rising by 21%.

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From January to April this year, outside the tourist season, prices in Croatia were higher by 3%, consumption by 4.2%, and accordingly, total turnover is 7.4% higher than in the first four months of 2025.