A recent conference titled "The Future of Food and Retail" brought to light some critical insights into the current state and challenges facing the food industry in Croatia. The event provided a platform for discussing key issues that could shape the future of food production, distribution, and consumption in the country.

Heavy Reliance on Food Imports

One of the central concerns highlighted during the conference was Croatia's significant dependence on food imports. Currently, a large portion of the country's food supply comes from abroad, with 35% of these imports being meat and dairy products. While food imports are growing at a rate of 10%, exports are declining at a rate of 2.5%. Interestingly, 90% of Croatia’s food exports are oilseeds. Despite being self-sufficient in egg production, the country still resorts to importing eggs during high-demand periods like Easter and the tourist season.

The Role of Technology and AI in Food Production

A key theme of the conference was the need for increased productivity in the food sector. Discussions centered on the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as potential solutions to balance the demands of green transitions with the need to boost food production. These innovations could be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by an evolving food industry and ensuring sustainable growth.

Proposed EU Regulations on Frozen Meat

Another significant topic was the proposed regulation by Croatian representatives in the European Commission to limit the storage duration of frozen meat, often referred to as "frozen dinosaurs." While long-frozen meat remains safe for consumption, its quality deteriorates over time. This proposal is currently under debate within the European Union, aiming to preserve the quality of meat and protect consumers.

Farmer Collaboration for Greater Market Impact

An emerging trend in Croatia is the collaboration among farmers to achieve greater market influence, rather than remaining small and isolated. Although this initiative is still in its early stages and faces several challenges, the goal is clear: to empower farmers by uniting them and enhancing their market presence.

Addressing Food Waste

The conference also tackled the critical issue of food waste, which remains a significant problem in Croatia. Reducing food waste is seen as an essential step towards a more sustainable food system, and this topic was given considerable attention during the event.

Conclusion

The discussions at the conference painted a complex picture of the future of food in Croatia. While there are considerable challenges ahead, particularly in terms of reducing import reliance and improving productivity, there are also opportunities for innovation and growth. The role of technology, the potential for regulatory changes, and the increasing collaboration among farmers all offer paths forward that could help Croatia navigate the challenges of the modern food industry.