Croatian olive oil has earned a reputation as the most expensive in the European Union, and by a significant margin.
In December, the price of extra virgin olive oil in Croatia reached an eye-watering €14.13 per kilogram, a staggering 136% higher than the EU average.
Even the more affordable Portuguese option was 218% cheaper.
While January saw a slight dip to €11.46 per litre, the cost remains 79% above the EU average, and 162% higher than Spain’s more budget-friendly alternatives.
This sharp price surge can be attributed to the country’s declining olive harvests.
In 2022, production plummeted by 30%, resulting in just over 38,000 hectolitres—30% less than the year before.
Early projections for 2023 suggest no recovery in sight, with Croatia expected to meet just 40% of its olive oil needs through domestic production, forcing the country to import the remainder.
As Croatia’s olive oil prices continue to climb, this once-prized commodity may become a luxury reserved for those willing to pay the price.