Croatia’s tomato industry has seen an unprecedented rise in production, with the country doubling its output this year. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the efforts of Podravka, one of Croatia’s largest food processing companies. The opening of their new fruit and vegetable processing plant, Kalnik, in Varaždin marks a significant milestone in the nation’s agricultural development. With a daily processing capacity of 1,000 tons, this factory is set to transform Croatia’s tomato sector.
A Record Harvest
Approximately 30,000 tons of tomatoes were harvested from fields across Slavonia, Istria, Podravina, Međimurje, and Herzegovina in 2024, all destined for the new Kalnik factory. The facility, completed in just a year, can process over 40,000 tons of tomatoes annually, with plans for further expansion to meet growing demand. In 2025, Podravka aims to increase its cultivated land area to 520 hectares, up from the current 700 hectares utilized by 250 independent farmers and cooperatives under contract.
Building Partnerships for Success
Podravka’s approach to increasing tomato production hinges on strong collaboration with local farmers. The company has signed contracts with around 250 producers, ranging from small family farms to larger agricultural cooperatives. This network spans different regions of Croatia, ensuring a diversified and stable supply chain.
Ivan Ostojić, a board member of Podravka, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in stabilizing production and increasing output. “All the tomatoes processed in our new facility are locally grown,” Ostojić explained. “By organizing production across the country, we have diversified our sources, which will further stabilize our production in the coming years.”
This year alone, Podravka produced 6,450 tons of tomatoes on 61 hectares of its own agricultural land, with an additional 340 tons harvested from 23,000 hectares cultivated by associated producers. The company’s collaboration with small producers not only supports local agriculture but also strengthens rural economies.
Meeting Future Demands
With the new processing plant fully operational, Podravka is positioning itself to further increase its processing capacity. The facility, with its modern infrastructure and high efficiency, is capable of handling larger volumes, but more raw materials will be required to operate at full capacity. The company’s future plans include expanding tomato-growing areas and increasing the number of contractual agreements with local producers.
In her statement, Martina Dalić, CEO of Podravka Group, highlighted the importance of local agricultural development. “The growth of agricultural production and raw materials, particularly the increase in domestic agricultural resources, is of critical importance to Podravka. Not only does it improve the quality of the products we sell globally, but it also contributes to the broader social community by supporting small producers and enhancing the local agricultural industry.”
Looking Ahead
The doubling of Croatia’s tomato production is a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders like Podravka and local farmers. By leveraging modern infrastructure and fostering strong partnerships, Croatia is well on its way to becoming a key player in the European tomato market. With plans to expand cultivation areas and further invest in processing capacity, Podravka’s model of sustainable growth is expected to have a lasting positive impact on Croatia’s agricultural economy.
Croatia’s success in doubling its tomato production reflects a broader trend towards modernizing agriculture through strategic investments and partnerships. With the support of companies like Podravka, local farmers have the opportunity to scale their operations and contribute to a thriving agricultural sector. As Podravka continues to expand its processing capabilities and cultivate strong relationships with producers, the future of tomato production in Croatia looks promising.
