May the 26th, 2025 – Croatian wood products are winning over the global market, shining even more of a spotlight on the quality of Croatian-made products.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Katarina Kusec writes, with the support of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the producers of Croatian wood products exhibited their creations at Interzum 2025, which was held in Cologne.
The focus was on the sustainable transformation of furniture production and interior design with the common goal of improving sustainable materials and innovative technologies.
croatian wood products in the spotlight
Among 1,600 exhibitors from more than 55 countries, the fair, organised by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, was attended by Drvna industrija Novoselec, Euroforest, Exportdrvo, FI.-MA. and PPS Galeković.
“Croatian wood products are recognised on the markets of 115 countries around the world. Appearances at fairs like this are an opportunity for domestic companies to strengthen their existing partnerships and establish new ones. That’s of particular importance in an economic situation in which international business conditions are increasingly difficult. The Interzum fair combines business, industrial policy and internationalisation. It’s a crucial lever for the development of industrial sectors,” emphasised Jelena Đugum, Director of the Agriculture Sector of the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
Filip Galeković, director of PPS Galeković, exhibited their solid wood panels, parquet and terrace furnishing products at the fair.
“After a significant drop in demand over the past two years, this year, there’s been a slight increase. That is visible at this fair through the business contacts made and the interest of visitors from other EU countries and third markets,” stated Galeković.
The company FI.-MA. was also in Cologne, where it presented its programme to the global market. It exports more than 70 percent of its total production, and so this was a vital move.
“Interzum gives us the opportunity to further strengthen the position of our brand. The company is exhibiting as part of a joint appearance organised by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. That further contributes to the visibility and strengthening of the image of Croatian wood products and the industry. Visitors had the opportunity to get acquainted with our products made of oak, ash and beech, produced in accordance with the highest European standards,” said Filip Kolar, CEO of FI.-MA.
Exportdrvo also presented itself with a range of products, from sawn timber to parquet and panels.
“As a company with over 75 years of tradition in exporting wood products from Croatia, we’re delighted to be part of this international gathering again. We’re particularly pleased with the high level of interest in our products. They combine many years of experience with a modern approach to sustainability and design,” stated Romano Ivković, member of the Board of Exportdrvo.
Total Croatian exports of wood, wood products and furniture in 2024 amounted to 1.446 billion euros, which is 232,000 euros less than in 2023. At the same time, total imports of the aforementioned products amounted to 1.121 billion euros, which is one percent more than the year before. The foreign trade surplus in total trade of wood, Croatian wood products and furniture in 2024 amounted to 324 million euros and decreased by three percent, or 10 million euros, compared to 2023. The coverage of imports by exports of wood, wood products and furniture is 129 percent. In the structure of total exports, wood and Croatian wood products account for six percent, and in imports for 2.7 percent.
