Žito Grupa, one of Croatia’s largest agricultural and food production companies, said on June 2 it plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) and list its shares on the Zagreb Stock Exchange, as it prepares for a new investment cycle aimed at boosting growth and innovation.

The company did not specify the expected timeline or size of the IPO but said the offering would support its long-term strategic goals focused on sustainable growth and strengthening Croatia’s domestic food production.

The Osijek-based group, which employs around 1,200 people, is a dominant player in Croatia’s agricultural sector, operating across arable farming, animal husbandry, food processing and trade. It manages 17,800 hectares of farmland and sources from an additional 60,000 hectares cultivated by more than 3,000 subcontractors.

“Žito Grupa has been growing continuously since its foundation. Today, we are among the largest Croatian companies that create conditions for the growth and development of the entire region and the return of young people to Slavonia,” said Marko Pipunić, president of the management board. “By entering the IPO, we want to continue our growth and offer investors the opportunity to become our partners along the way.”

The company posted revenues of €335mn in 2024, with a record normalised Ebitda of €66.3mn and a margin of 19.8%. Around a third of its income came from foreign markets including Austria, Hungary, Italy and Serbia.

Žito Grupa is the largest egg producer and oilseed processor in the country and ranks second in pig breeding. It says its vertically integrated model ensures product traceability and quality control “from field to table”. 

“Among the greatest strengths of the Žito Group is its business model based on vertical integration,” said board member Josip Bičvić, who oversees industrial and trading activities. “It enables monitoring and control of the entire production chain and creates a complete food picture of the region.”

The company has invested over €200mn in the past nine years and plans to commit a further €105mn in its upcoming investment cycle. “These investments will expand capacities, improve efficiency and reduce costs,” said finance board member Jozo Ljubičić, adding that acquisitions are also part of the strategy.

Žito also sees technology as central to its development. “Automation and digitalisation are present throughout the entire production chain – from crop and livestock production to final meat processing,” said Mato Božić, who leads the group’s agricultural operations. “We are market leaders in this, and further steps lie ahead in using artificial intelligence.”