Overview of the meat industry in Croatia and perspectives of dry-cured ham production

The meat industry is the most important subsector of the food industry in Croatia. It employs 6, 500 people, which is 23.9 % of the total food industry labour contingent, and generates 20 % of food industry revenues. Croatia has a very negative foreign trade balance in the meat and meat products category. Although both imports and exports are growing in absolute terms, the increase in the import component is much more pronounced, especially for fresh pork. This is related to the production of dry-cured ham, which depends on the quality of raw ham. Croatian dry-cured hams have distinctive and attractive sensory characteristics and are considered very acceptable, although are one of the most expensive meat products on the market. Within the production there are several factors that have an important influence on the production, therefore strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were discussed. It is highlighted that for greater success, there is a need for better cooperation between producers and greater investments in joint marketing activities.