2011-16-09 - Croatia is gradually becoming one of the most important manufacturers of massive parquet. This was recognized by the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP) in choosing Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, for its annual congress and general assembly, where the latest trends in the production,
trade and consumption of parquet in Europe were presented. Croatia presently has 7 members in this leading professional association of parquet manufacturers. In addition to four previous members, 3 other Croatian companies have been given FEP membership at the Cavtat assembly, PPS Galekovic, Spacva Vinkovci and Pana from Cakovec. As a result, Croatia now counts as many FEP members as Italy and Germany. Global financial and economic crisis made quite an impact on the Croatian parquet industry. While a number of companies lost their long-established markets, some manufacturers, despite the crisis, opened new markets, such as Russia or the Middle East.
Traditionally, Croatian parquet manufacturers exhibit their products at Domotex, the world's leading trade fair for floor coverings, in Germany. In the domestic market, they are challenged by cheap imported parquet from Asia, i.e. outside the euro zone. Hence, it is expected that FEP membership will allow them to have a say in the import of cheap parquet.