On the day when Croatia played against Denmark, the fiscalisation system registered receipts in the amount of 429 million kuna or 8.2% more than one week earlier.
It is impossible to precisely measure how much World Cup matches contribute to Croatia’s GDP, but it is certain that the football success has increased personal consumption of citizens, Since the tournament began, Croats have spent hundreds of millions of kuna more than usual in this time of year. According to the Tax Administration, on Sunday, when Croatia defeated Denmark, the fiscalisation system registered receipts in the total amount of 429 million kuna, which was 8.2 percent more than on the previous Sunday, reports Večernji List on July 6, 2018.
The match with Argentina earlier in the tournament brought a 14% higher turnover, the match against Nigeria 5% and the one against Iceland 4% higher turnover than the week before. Analysts believe that spending during the month-long tournament will be two billion kuna higher compared to the same period last year, which will bring higher profits to producers and sellers of beers, snacks, souvenirs, TV sets, caterers, bookmakers, travel agents, as well as the state budget.
Pero Ivanković, president of the Association of Beer Producers at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), says that major sports competitions, especially European football championships and the world cup, give a significant impetus to the economy through increased consumption and the creation of positive atmosphere in the environment which has always been dominated by the beer industry.
“The overall results of the beer sector is growing over time, and the sector has been growing even during the recession, suggesting its strong potential for generating economic activity in the country. Therefore, it is expected that spending during the world cup will contribute to the overall growth of the beer market in Croatia,” commented Ivanković, pointing out that the average beer consumption in Croatia was 79 litres per capita a year. while on the days when Croatia’s national team plays its matches it increases by between 7,000 to 12,000 hectolitres.
In June, Konzum sold 42% more chips than last June, while PIK Vrbovec sold about 730,000 grill sausages, 50% more than at the same time last year. The Zagreb Brewery estimates that during Croatia’s matches if the weather is good, the consumption of beer increases by several percentage points.
Private consultant Drago Munjiza says that turnover in the HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, cafes), when match watching parties are organized, is growing by more than 100% compared to an average day, so the challenge is how to serve all the guests who want to spend their money. Online betting shops have also recorded an increase of more than 100% in turnover.
Munjiza said that shops, gas stations, tourist agencies, and producers could have a record year – both in turnover and in profits – if Croatia were to reach the finals.
Translated from Večernji List (reported by Jolanda Rak Šajn).
