Easter spending this year could reach 2.26 billion euros

In the four weeks leading up to this year’s Easter, spending in Croatia is expected to exceed 2.26 billion euros, which is about nine percent more than last year, according to estimates from the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), which advises consumers to choose domestic products whenever possible, as this directly supports local production.

The HGK reported on Tuesday that positive trends in retail trade have been recorded since the beginning of the year, and their continuation is expected in the weeks leading up to and during Easter.

– This indicates that holiday spending, both in terms of the number of issued receipts and their total amount, could surpass last year’s – assess the HGK Trade Sector.

They provide data from the Tax Administration on fiscalized receipts in the retail trade sector (excluding the trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles) that confirm the continued growth of consumption from the beginning of the year until March 22. During this period, the number of receipts increased by 2.31 percent, while the total amount of receipts rose by 6.40 percent.

According to data from the State Bureau of Statistics, in January 2026, compared to the same period last year, seasonally adjusted retail trade turnover increased by three percent in real terms. This continues the growth of real turnover in retail trade, which has been ongoing for 34 consecutive months, the HGK notes.

They also point out that last year, during the four Easter weeks, 119.5 million receipts were issued, resulting in a turnover of 2.07 billion euros. Certain fluctuations, they say, can also be influenced by the calendar positioning of Easter, as it is a movable holiday, which is why a longer time frame is needed for a more realistic picture.

They state that the Easter week traditionally brings a peak in consumption, especially in the three days leading up to Easter, on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, with the highest amount of fiscalized receipts expected on Friday, when most fresh groceries are purchased.

For example, on Good Friday 2025, 110.67 million euros were fiscalized in retail trade.

Call for consumers to choose domestic products

The HGK also emphasizes that at the beginning of the year, the international environment was relatively stable, but the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in March sharply worsened economic conditions and increased uncertainty. The conflict disrupted energy supply and led to significant price increases, and this effect can spill over into the entire supply chain.

– Despite the high level of uncertainty and the challenging environment caused by geopolitical instability, as well as subsequently higher prices of energy and fertilizers, along with rising production costs, retail turnover, both in terms of the number and amount of fiscalized receipts, has been recording a positive trend since the beginning of the year – said Maja Bogović, director of the HGK Trade Sector.

These indicators, she said, suggest that in the upcoming Easter holidays, assuming that market disruptions remain at the lowest possible levels, we could see a higher level of consumption than last year.

– At the same time, it is important for consumers to choose domestic products whenever possible, as this directly supports local production, the economy, and job preservation – Bogović emphasized.

Eggs increased by 10 percent

Regarding the prices of food items that are consumed more during the Easter holidays, the HGK states that despite the slowdown in food inflation, which was 2.6 percent in February, the prices of certain products continue to show an upward trend.

According to February data, the highest increase was recorded for eggs (10 percent), fresh fish (7 percent), and fresh lamb (7.2 percent), as well as beef and veal (20 percent). For baking ingredients, butter has recorded a price drop for 11 consecutive months, the price of flour is stable, while the price of chocolate continues to rise.