About the Program

https://razvoj.gov.hr/o-ministarstvu/djelokrug-1939/otoci/hrvatski-otocni-proizvod/javni-poziv-za-dodjelu-oznake-hop-4707/4707

How it all started
In addition to picturesque beauty, Croatian islands nurture a rich heritage of traditional crafts, intangible cultural heritage, and gastronomic offerings, with recognizable flavors and scents bestowed upon them by a unique combination of Mediterranean climate, soil, and karst.
 
Guided by this fact, back in 2007, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds launched a project to label quality island products with the Croatian Island Product label in order to encourage island producers to produce indigenous and quality products and preserve the tradition and identity of the islands.
 
Products awarded the label originate from limited island localities, are made in small batches, and most label holders are registered as family farms, which confirms the character of the Program as one primarily focused on traditional and indigenous values. By purchasing products with the HOP label, we support small producers and contribute to the preservation of Croatian islands as living, sustainable, and unique communities. Thanks to this label, Croatian islands are not only attractive tourist destinations, but also centers of sustainable production, creativity, and tradition.
 
Advantages of the „Croatian Island Product“ label
 
The Croatian Island Product (HOP) label brings numerous advantages for producers, consumers, and the overall development of Croatian islands.

Benefits for producers

• Recognizability and branding
  The HOP label helps producers stand out in the market as authentic and quality producers of island goods.
• Increasing product value
  Products with the label often achieve a higher price because consumers recognize their quality and local origin.
• Easier market placement
  Facilitated access to fairs, events, and tourist channels, especially those promoting local and traditional products.
• Support through projects and promotions
  The possibility of inclusion in projects implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development, as well as additional promotion through their platforms.

Benefits for consumers

1. Guarantee of quality and origin
   The HOP label means that the product is made on the island, often by hand and with local raw materials.
2. Support for local communities
   By purchasing products with the HOP label, consumers support small producers and the preservation of the island way of life.
3. Ecological and sustainable choice
   Most HOP products are created in harmony with nature, with minimal impact on the environment.

Broader societal benefit

• Preservation of tradition and cultural heritage
  The label encourages the transfer of knowledge and skills between generations on the islands.
• Development of sustainable tourism
  Authentic products enrich the tourist offer and encourage the development of tourism outside the main season.

Photo:  D. Kešnjer/CNTB

How to get the label
 
The label is awarded to island products and intangible assets through a public call published by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds once a year, based on submitted applications and fulfillment of prescribed criteria.
Applications for the label can be submitted exclusively by natural and legal persons performing their activity on an island or the Pelješac peninsula, who are registered in the appropriate registries and possess the necessary approvals for the activity they perform.
Applications are submitted for material products made on the island that meet all current regulations and standards, as well as intangible assets resulting from island tradition, innovation, or research and development.
In exceptional cases, if there are no technical capabilities to manufacture the product on the island, production outside the island is permitted, accompanied by justification and documentation.
 
Categories of products with the „Croatian Island Product“ label

As a result of the differentiation of island activities and production, HOP products are very diverse, and for this reason, we categorize them into five groups:

• Food products such as olive oils, salt, honey, jams, cheeses, traditional sweets;
• Beverages (wines of indigenous varieties, craft beers, liqueurs made from aromatic local herbs, spirits…)
• Art and design which includes souvenirs and various usable items (traditional jewelry, decorative and usable items, clothing, footwear..),
• Chemical products (cosmetic products, essential oils…)
• Intangible island products referring to events, skills, knowledge/craftsmanship, preservation, organization, and other activities contributing to the preservation of tradition, cultural heritage of the island, and promoting island identity (dances, manifestations, fairs, races, klapa singing, traditional recipes, sheep wool felting workshops, lace-making skills, and numerous other activities).

Photo: A. Surač

How to recognize it

A product with the Croatian Island Product (HOP) label is easy to recognize because it carries the official visual sign - a logo confirming its island origin and quality.
The mark is red, rectangular, with a white island symbol in the center. Next to the mark, the text Croatian Island Product usually appears.
It is placed on product packaging, promotional materials, stands, and exhibition spaces.


 
How things are progressing
 
From 2007 to 2024, the label was awarded to 1,445 products submitted by 785 island entities from 28 islands and the Pelješac peninsula.
At this moment,  more than 200  island  products carry the „Croatian Island Product“ label.  The list of active holders is regularly updated and published on the Ministry's official pages.
Also, products with photos and descriptions, as well as the list of active island entities,  can be found in the Croatian Island Product catalog published once a year in print and digital editions.
 
Quality Control
 
The Croatian Island Product label is a guarantee of island identity and quality of the labeled products.
All products with the label meet all prescribed conditions and quality standards.
The HOP label is awarded for 5 years - producers must renew their status after this period, further ensuring quality continuity and the label's credibility.
 
And finally, the „Croatian Island Product“ label is not only a guarantee of quality, but also a story about people who lovingly create products in harmony with nature and tradition - something that makes Croatia special on the world map.


Photo: A.Gospić/CNTB