The event presents products by SMEs and family farms classified into four regions - central Croatia, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Istria and Kvarner - while large companies like Podravka, Vindija, Dukat, Kras, Franck, Ledo, Zvijezda and other comprise one large unit.
HGK President Luka Burilovic underscored that the event, which this year marks its 18th anniversary, has raised awareness of the importance of producing and buying domestic products.
"By buying Croatian we save jobs and enable the creation of new jobs, we prevent the emigration of young people and protect Croatia's economy," Burilovic said, adding that "buying Croatian should become a way of life for all of us and should continue 365 days in the year."
Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic said that more than 2,000 products were being presented but warned of two problems - the need to adopt a strategy for balanced economic development in Croatia and to stop the import of more than 50% of products. "Then we will buy Croatian," Bandic said.
President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic visited the exhibition and commended the idea to promote Croatian products that can compete on the European and global markets. She said that the HGK and she herself need to promote Croatian products in the world, which will lead to economic growth and new jobs.
Currently 105 products are labelled "Originally Croatian" and 166 are labelled "Croatian Quality."