Adria the fishing cooperative in Tribunj has turned the Croatian tradition of smoked fish and salted sardines into a thriving business. With support from EU funding via the Galeb Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), Adria recognised the potential of lesser-known fish species that are traditionally used locally and adapted traditional preservation techniques to create successful new products that honour local heritage, reduce waste and increase value.
Adria invested in modern HACCP-compliant equipment, including a custom-built smoking chamber and salting facilities, ensuring food safety while maintaining artisanal quality. The project hired qualified staff, marketed new products, strengthened local supply chains, and improved working conditions, while targeted training opened new employment opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Encouraged by steady demand from local restaurants and growing consumer interest, Adria plans to expand production, explore new markets and further diversify its product range.
Results
- One new full-time job created and two existing jobs preserved
- Strengthened local supply chains, boosting income for small-scale fishers
- Women empowered through targeted training in a male-dominated sector
- Traditional home-based salting transformed into certified production
- Publication date
- 13 July 2026