The photograph is for illustrative purposes.

Croatia is losing yet another factory, and 150 workers in Daruvar are facing job losses.

Company Nomad Foods, which also owns the well-known Croatian Ledo, has decided to close the Irida factory by the end of 2026. As reported by N1, the decision to close was made after a detailed business analysis and affects all 150 employees.

What will happen to production?

Irida in Daruvar is engaged in the final processing and packaging of frozen fish and seafood. Although the factory is closing, the products will not disappear from store shelves. The company says that supply to the Croatian and regional markets will continue through other facilities in Europe. Until now, Irida has accounted for less than 5% of the company’s total fish product output.

Why is the factory closing?

Nomad Foods explains that they tried to find a way for the factory to continue operating in the long term, but were unsuccessful. The closure is part of a broader reorganization plan launched in 2025, through which the company aims to reduce costs, make better use of existing facilities, and increase operational efficiency.

What awaits the 150 employees?

The biggest question now is the fate of the workers. Eduardo Bachiega, Nomad Foods’ supply chain director, acknowledged that this is difficult news and announced talks with employees and their representatives. The closure will affect 150 people, but the initial announcement did not provide specific details about layoffs, severance pay, or possibilities for reassignment to other positions.

For the company, reorganization; for Daruvar, job losses

While Nomad Foods says it remains present on the Croatian market, Daruvar is facing the loss of one production facility. For the company, this is part of a business plan, but for the 150 employees and their families, it is a much more serious issue. Whether they will find new jobs and under what conditions remains uncertain for now.