The prices of bread and cereals in Croatia are about 2% above the European average and record high among transition countries, according to Eurostat data on the price levels for bread and cereals in 2019, Vecernji List daily reported on Wednesday.

Slovenia is just behind Croatia. In the Czech Republic, the prices of bread and cereals are at 80% of the EU average, i.e. one-fifth cheaper than in Croatia. In Hungary they are one-fourth cheaper, in Slovakia 10%, in Bulgaria one-third and in Romania 50% cheaper. Germany has 1% cheaper bread and cereals than Croatia.

The baking industry’s annual turnover, whose estimated turnover totals 4.5-5 billion kuna (€600-€665 million), employs some 16,000 workers. Yet prices are not affected only by bakers but traders as well because one in seven loaves of bread or pastries are imported frozen and traders only bake them.

On average, Croats eat only 4.5 kg of fish a year while consuming 55 kg of bread and pastries.

In Croatia, the price of meat is 17% below the EU average, the prices of fruit and vegetables are 11% lower and those of milk, cheese and eggs 5% lower. Generally, food prices are 6.5% below the EU average, while oils and fats are 7% more expensive, the daily reported.

(€1 = 7.52 kuna)