- by croatiaweek
- in Business
(Photo: Illustration)
A fish-processing factory in the Croatian town of Daruvar is set to close by the end of 2026, putting 150 jobs at risk and raising fresh questions about the future of manufacturing in smaller Croatian towns.
Irida, a fish-processing plant previously part of frozen-food company Ledo, is owned by Nomad Foods, a British-based international frozen-food group.
The company has decided to discontinue production at the Daruvar facility following a review of its operations.
The closure affects a business that has operated for more than half a century and has been an important employer in the town in Bjelovar-Bilogora County.
Daruvar Mayor Damir Lneniček told Dnevnik Nova TV that the decision would affect 150 employees and their families. The factory was one of the town’s largest employers, making its closure particularly significant for the local economy.
Employees and union representatives were surprised by the announcement. Workers said they had been satisfied with the management and were concerned about the loss of their jobs.
Nomad Foods said it had made substantial efforts to find a sustainable long-term solution for the plant but had been unsuccessful. The company said it would hold discussions with employees and their representatives in the coming weeks.
Production is expected to continue until 31 December 2026.
The company has also said the closure should not affect the availability of its products in Croatia or the wider region. Supplies will instead be maintained through its existing European production and distribution network.
Irida specialises in processing and packing certain frozen fish and seafood products for Nomad Foods brands. Its output accounts for less than five per cent of the group’s total fish-product production, according to Croatian media reports.
The closure comes amid wider debate about the competitiveness of Croatia’s manufacturing sector. Rising energy and labour costs have been identified by industry representatives as significant pressures on manufacturers.
The case also highlights the challenge facing smaller towns that depend on a limited number of large employers. When a major factory closes, the consequences can extend beyond its workforce to local suppliers, shops and other businesses.