Croatian chamomile a success story around the world

Foreign buyers recognise Croatian chamomile quality

29 April 2024 – In the fields of Podravina and Slavonia in eastern Croatian, the chamomile harvest is currently in full swing, starting about 20 days earlier than usual. 

Chamomile is Croatia’s most abundant medicinal plant, with its cultivation area expanding, especially after last year’s drop in grain prices. 

Almost all of it will end up exported, reaching every continent around the world.

Harvesting is also underway in the fields of one of the largest chamomile producers and processors in Croatia. In the fields of Lozane near Virovitica, they expect a good yield of organically grown chamomile on 130 hectares.

“What particularly delights us, chamomile producers, or those of us who finalize the product, is that there are increasing areas in Croatia under cultivation, and this crop finds a more significant and meaningful place year by year. We export our chamomile to 35 countries; as you can see, it’s splendid,” Denis Nemčević, CEO of “Spider Group,” Pitomača, told HRT.

Chamomile

The sandy soil of Podravina has proven exceptionally favorable for chamomile cultivation. The areas under this fragrant plant have increased by 20 percent, and after harvesting, it undergoes drying before processing.

“Chamomile is currently our most profitable crop compared to other field crops like wheat and barley. Their prices are dismal and unprofitable, whereas investing in chamomile is unquestionable compared to other crops,” said Ivan Kaladić, Gradina.

He added that they earn around 2 thousand euros per hectare.

“Three years ago, we decided to continue chamomile production because we assessed that, practically, financially, we fare better with chamomile, perhaps a slightly less demanding crop. And now, my son and I produce it together on nearly 100 hectares,” explained Željko Aragović, Stari Gradac.

Apart from quality, the ecological purity of chamomile is extremely important, avoiding pesticides from neighboring fields.

“Corn sowing, sunflower sowing, and soybean sowing have also begun, but because of this weather, other producers still haven’t sprayed their crops, so I hope we’ll avoid it,” Josip Ivanec, production manager of “Jan Spider,” Pitomača, told HRT.

Early harvest this year

The scent of Podravina chamomile will spread worldwide because it captivates buyers with its richness in essential oils, not only in teas but also in creams, ointments, and oils. 

Moreover, it’s increasingly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.