Each resident of Croatia throws away an average of 120 kilograms of food annually, which amounts to a total of 480,000 tonnes of waste. This new estimate deviates from previous data which stated 286,000 tonnes, or 70 kilograms per person. The difference in waste volume is due to a more precise method of data collection and corrections for economic entities, which has led to a more realistic picture of the problem in the country.
Despite the increase in domestic statistics, Croatia remains slightly below the EU average. In the EU, 58.2 million tonnes of food waste were generated in 2023, which amounts to 130 kilograms per resident. Although the situation in Croatia is better than the EU average, experts warn of the need for a more systematic approach to reducing the waste of edible food.
A key role in addressing this issue is played by food banks, which connect producers, distributors, and retailers with organisations that distribute food to the most vulnerable. In addition to logistics, these institutions provide education to citizens and potential donors. With the opening of new food banks, public awareness of the importance of donation has increased, and citizens are more aware of their role in the food chain.
However, the sector faces significant obstacles. The main challenges for food banks remain financial sustainability, a shortage of donated food with longer shelf lives, the limited use of digital platforms, and insufficient awareness among businesses. Despite this, positive trends are visible in large retail chains. Lidl launched a campaign in 2021, 'Say No to Food Waste in the Bin', reducing waste through more precise inventory planning and staff training.
Lidl products that are safe to consume but can no longer be sold are donated to registered intermediaries and via the e-donating system. Over the past seven years, the chain has donated more than 1,700 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, over half a million food products close to their expiration date, and more than 1.12 million bakery products. In 2025, a significant increase was recorded: the quantity of donated bakery products and fruit increased by 25 per cent, while the number of products close to expiration rose by 130 per cent compared to the previous year.
The digital solution in this sector is represented by the Crumbs.hr platform, behind which stands Antonio Matuš. The service allows restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to sell surplus food at discounted prices. The platform currently has more than 500 partners, which testifies to the growing acceptance of the model of reducing waste through commercial channels.
