At markets in Šibenik, a kilogram of white table grapes sells for €6, while in Zadar and Dubrovnik prices rise to €7. In Pula, the same fruit can cost €8 per kilogram – roughly the same price as veal shoulder, ribs or neck in supermarkets.
Shoppers in Zagreb express frustration, noting that even during peak season grapes rarely fall below €5 per kilogram.
As Večernji list reports, what makes the situation more striking is that most grapes on sale are imported, largely from Spain, Chile and Turkey, and often of second-grade quality.
On Zagreb’s wholesale market, grapes are traded for around €2.50–2.75 per kilogram, with a nationwide average ranging from €2.50 to €3.50.
The difference at retail level is significant, and the presence of truly domestic grapes remains limited.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, official statistics do not separate table grapes from wine varieties.
However, estimates suggest Croatia produced only 1,304 tonnes of table grapes last year on about 220 hectares, with an average yield of just under six tonnes per hectare. By contrast, Croatia imported 16,800 tonnes of grapes in 2024, worth €31.2 million – a 19% increase in volume and a 27% rise in value compared to the previous year.
That means Croatia imports over 1,100% more grapes than it produces.
Cheaper in supermarkets than at markets
Consumers may take some comfort in the fact that supermarket chains often sell grapes at lower prices than open markets.
In Konzum, Chilean white grapes are priced at €2.99 per kilogram, Italian red at €3.99, while half a kilo of seedless Turkish grapes is €2.19. Discounts can bring prices even lower, with Tommy recently offering white grapes at €1.89 per kilogram, Večernji list writes.
Import dependency
The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) reports that Italy is the largest supplier, exporting 8,600 tonnes to Croatia in 2024, worth €15.1 million.
Other major suppliers include the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Moldova and North Macedonia. Curiously, Croatia also exports grapes, sending small volumes mainly to Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary.
Experts note that table grape cultivation in Croatia faces significant hurdles, including the need for irrigation, hail protection nets, bird control and intensive manual labour – all of which drive up costs.
Unlike wine grapes, table grapes demand higher investment and are more vulnerable to weather. These factors, combined with limited suitable climates, explain why domestic production remains low.
Globally, the largest producers of table grapes include China, Chile, Peru, the United States, Turkey and Spain, with China dominating exports.
For now, Croatian consumers must rely heavily on imports, with domestic grapes remaining a rare and costly find on market stalls.