The Buyer | Croatias long game: why the UK trade should pay attention now

While much of Europe wrestles with declining consumption, Croatia faces the opposite challenge: demand outstrips supply. Rather than becoming complacent, the country is investing in its long-term international positioning, most recently by hosting another Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and bringing buyers and journalists to its doorstep. For UK buyers, the key question is whether to engage early, while the category is still taking shape. For English sparkling wine producers with growing export ambitions, Croatia’s promotional model offers useful lessons. Leona De Pasquale was part of the 50-strong judging panel and reports from the competition.