Supermarket boycott in Croatia: a grassroots movement against price gouging

Summary

Croatia is experiencing a growing consumer movement: a supermarket boycott targeting the sharp rise in food prices following euro adoption. Born on social media, the initiative calls on consumers to avoid shopping at major supermarket chains until prices drop. The movement has led to a shift toward local markets and independent retailers.

Key Findings

• The boycott emerged from public frustration over inflation far outpacing wage growth
• Social media served as a mobilisation tool for the grassroots movement
• Local markets and independent retailers are benefiting from the shift
• A joint effort between consumer groups and local producers resulted in a list of 60 basic products with fixed prices

Context

The Croatian economy has faced price increases higher than the official inflation rate since euro adoption. Consumers see the cost of basic foodstuffs rising without corresponding income growth. This creates a gap between the macroeconomic benefits of the euro and the daily reality of households.

The boycott isn’t an organised political action. It’s a spontaneous popular movement. Social media made it possible to reach a broad audience.

Impact on the Local Economy

The boycott has an unexpected side effect: the revival of local markets and independent retail. Consumers are turning to smaller shops, farmers’ markets and producers in their immediate area. This shortens the supply chain and strengthens the bond between producer and consumer.

Fixed-Price List: 60 Basic Products

A collaboration between consumer groups and local producers produced an overview of 60 basic foodstuffs with reference prices:

| Product | Quantity | Reference Price | |—|—| | Milk | 1L | €0.80 | | Bread | 500g | €0.50 | | Eggs | 10 pcs | €1.50 | | Butter | 250g | €1.80 | | Cheese (local) | 400g | €3.00 | | Yogurt | 500g | €0.90 | | Rice | 1kg | €1.20 | | Pasta | 500g | €0.70 | | Tomato Sauce | 330ml | €0.60 | | Potatoes | 1kg | €0.60 | | Onions | 1kg | €0.50 | | Carrots | 1kg | €0.70 | | Apples | 1kg | €1.00 | | Bananas | 1kg | €1.20 | | Oranges | 1kg | €1.50 | | Tomatoes | 1kg | €1.30 | | Cucumbers | 1kg | €1.00 | | Peppers | 1kg | €1.40 | | Lettuce | per head | €0.50 | | Spinach | 500g | €1.00 | | Cabbage | per head | €0.60 | | Beans (dry) | 500g | €1.00 | | Lentils | 500g | €1.20 | | Chickpeas | 500g | €1.30 | | Flour | 1kg | €0.80 | | Sugar | 1kg | €0.90 | | Salt | 1kg | €0.40 | | Olive Oil | 1L | €5.00 | | Sunflower Oil | 1L | €1.50 | | Vinegar | 1L | €0.70 | | Ketchup | 500g | €1.00 | | Mustard | 200g | €0.60 | | Mayonnaise | 250g | €1.20 | | Jam | 400g | €1.50 | | Honey | 500g | €3.00 | | Tea | 20 bags | €0.80 | | Coffee | 250g | €2.50 | | Biscuits | 200g | €0.80 | | Chocolate | 100g | €1.00 | | Crackers | 200g | €0.70 | | Corn Flakes | 375g | €1.30 | | Oats | 500g | €0.90 | | Peanut Butter | 350g | €2.00 | | Canned Tuna | 185g | €1.20 | | Canned Sardines | 120g | €0.80 | | Canned Tomatoes | 400g | €0.60 | | Canned Peas | 400g | €0.70 | | Canned Corn | 340g | €0.70 | | Broth Cubes | 6 pcs | €0.50 | | Spaghetti | 500g | €0.70 | | Macaroni | 500g | €0.70 | | Cookies | 200g | €1.00 | | Cereal Bars | 5 pcs | €1.20 | | Juice (local) | 1L | €1.00 | | Water (bottled) | 1.5L | €0.40 | | Canned Beans | 400g | €0.80 | | Sausages | 300g | €2.00 | | Cheese Spread | 150g | €1.00 | | Yeast | 42g | €0.30 | | Baking Soda | 200g | €0.50 |

The list serves as a reference point to detect price gouging and keep basic needs affordable.

Analysis

The supermarket boycott shows a broader phenomenon in the eurozone: the gap between institutional economic benefits and the lived reality of citizens. When prices of basic goods rise faster than wages, social pressure emerges that manifests outside traditional political channels.

The shift toward local markets is positive for the regional economy. It doesn’t constitute a structural solution. Without institutional price regulation or income policy, the pressure on households persists.

Sources

• Croatian consumer groups (social media)
• Collaboration between local producers and consumer organisations
• Previous reporting on price developments following euro adoption