Author: Lorena Topalović
Supervisor: Assistant Professor Svjetlana Škrabal, PhD
Publication type: Undergraduate Thesis
Institution: Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Study programme: Professional Undergraduate Study Programme in Enogastronomy
Year: 2026
Abstract
The undergraduate thesis “Exploring the Use and Awareness of Croatian Indigenous Products in the Hospitality Sector” examines the presence of indigenous and locally produced food products in hospitality establishments, with particular emphasis on employees’ awareness of their value and knowledge of official quality labels.
The research was conducted through a survey of employees from ten hospitality establishments in the cities of Osijek and Đakovo, with five establishments included from each city. A structured questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was used to assess the recognition of indigenous products, understanding of the differences between the terms “indigenous” and “local”, awareness of quality labels, and the integration of local products into everyday hospitality practices.
The findings indicate that indigenous and locally produced food products are represented in hospitality offerings in both cities. The most frequently mentioned products include kulen (traditional cured sausage), prosciutto, cheese, pork cracklings, traditional spirits, and products supplied by local family farms.
Certain differences were observed in product awareness and knowledge of quality labels. Respondents from Osijek demonstrated a somewhat higher level of awareness of official quality labels and reported a greater diversity of products used compared with respondents from Đakovo.
The respondents recognised the importance of incorporating indigenous products into gastronomic offerings and perceived their use as contributing positively to the quality of hospitality services, guest satisfaction, and the recognition of hospitality establishments.
Relevance to the PREPOZNAJ Project
The topic of this undergraduate thesis is directly related to the research objectives of the project “Increasing the Recognition of Agricultural and Food Products with PDO/PGI/TSG Labels – PREPOZNAJ”, particularly regarding the recognition, understanding, and use of products with protected quality labels in the hospitality sector.
The findings highlight the importance of further educating hospitality professionals about European Union quality schemes, including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), as well as strengthening cooperation between hospitality establishments and local food producers.
This undergraduate thesis contributes to a better understanding of the recognition and use of Croatian indigenous products in the hospitality sector and supports the broader objectives of the PREPOZNAJ project concerning the promotion and valorisation of products with protected quality labels.
Publication Availability
The full undergraduate thesis is publicly available in the Croatian Digital Theses Repository (ZIR).