From USA to Japan: Croatian herbal teas conquer global markets

(Photo: Spider Group)

Podravina, a fertile region in northern Croatia, has become the country’s leading centre for the cultivation and processing of medicinal herbs, with production and exports continuing to grow strongly, HRT reported.

Increasingly, these herbs are being transformed into tea, now shipped to markets across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa, including Japan and the United Kingdom.

At a large processing facility in Pitomača, the air carries the scent of nearly 200 different medicinal plants. Annual production has surged to an impressive 60 million tea bags, the majority of which are destined for export.

“We supply Japan, the entire EU, neighbouring countries, America, Mexico, Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, almost everywhere,” Denis Nemčević, President of the Management Board of the Spider Group, tells HRT.

“Perhaps only Antarctica is missing,” he added with a smile.

More than half of total production is dedicated to chamomile, which remains the region’s most important medicinal plant.

“All chamomile is dried in controlled conditions in our dryers, which is why its quality is so high,” explained Josip Ivanec, Production Director at the Spider Group.

(Photo: Spider Group)

Proper drying preserves essential oils, making Podravina’s chamomile particularly valued by international buyers.

The quality has helped build long-standing relationships with foreign partners, some of whom have been sourcing teas from Podravina for over 20 years.

“We regularly purchase chamomile and other components here,” said Elvis Sefo, director of a Sarajevo-based company. “The chamomile is rich in essential oils and of excellent quality. We also source rosehip and other ingredients from Pitomača.”

Foreign buyers recognise Croatian chamomile quality

Visitors interested in learning more about tea, from processing to preparation and health benefits, can do so at the ‘House of Tea – Oasis of Peace’ in nearby Špišić Bukovica.

The experience includes six themed tasting rooms, each named after a medicinal plant native to the Mura–Drava–Danube Regional Park: dandelion, mint, chamomile, nettle, linden and wild rose.

“Our tour consists of six differently themed tasting areas,” explained Veronika Živko from the House of Tea. “Each room represents one plant that grows in our region.”

Although Croatia is traditionally a coffee-loving nation, the House of Tea promotes the idea of enjoying at least one cup of tea a day.

“Chamomile is completely calming and relaxing, as is mint,” said Živko. “Every tea has its own specific benefits.”

For those interested in other local flavours, the tourist route also leads to nearby vineyards, offering another taste of Podravina’s renowned agricultural products.