Croatian Cases in Enterprenurship and Implications for Development

Food and agribusiness form a major national strategic initiative Croatia and the other countries the South East Europe (SEE). The food systems, however are very early transition. Throughout the channel, there is evidence of successful adoption of marketing orientation, but many barriers exist, most notably capitalization and infrastructure devastation resulting from the most recent wars. Consumers Croatia and elsewhere the SEE Countries spend an excessive amount of their incomes on food, which is counter to rapid economic development. It is imperative that the food industry becomes more efficient so consumer spending can be directed at other growth- stimulating sectors. There are market forces place to foster this change, but clear policy directives must be also be implemented. The conducted research of consumers behavior three countries (Croatia, Italy and Slovenia) indicated that shopping habits can be divided into two main categories. Purchases in the neighborhood and large purchases. First ones are frequent, little by volume, done morning hours and small stores. Second ones are rare, done the afternoon on Friday and Saturday, around the middle of the month, they are bigger volume and often abroad. Research of pasta consumption habits was also conducted. The results indicate that when consumers considerate buying pasta for them the most important is country of origin, followed by quality and then price. Authors contribution is manifested presenting situational facts about habits when dealing with food as well as agricultural background. Conducted researches have indicated some habits of food shopping culture especially pasta.