Lika is a kind of ecological core of the Republic of Croatia which, in addition to its unique natural beauty, also boasts a distinctive cuisine made from ingredients produced in this ecological oasis. Everyone who visits the Lika destination should have the opportunity to fully feel, experience, and taste the traditional specialties of Lika.

Lika Destination covers parts of the Lika-Senj, Karlovac, and Zadar counties, forming a naturally rounded whole. Since over 60% of its area is protected under the Nature Protection Act, Lika is branded as a destination of protected natural areas.

However, besides its breathtaking nature, Lika is also home to authentic flavours – local products and specialties that reflect the purity, simplicity, and sustainability of life in harmony with nature. Everyone who visits the Lika destination should have the chance to experience, feel, and taste Lika – and that is precisely why the Lika Quality system was created.

What is Lika Quality?

As part of the Integrated Economic Development Project INTEGRA LIKA 2020, and with the aim of positioning the destination as a recognizable gastronomic destination, a comprehensive regional quality system for food, beverages, and souvenirs was developed under the name Lika Quality. This system highlights the exceptional quality of selected products and ensures their protection as such.

The Lika Quality mark was designed as a combination of the traditional Lika cap and the international symbol of quality – the letter Q. The mark is registered with the State Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Croatia as a certification mark. The LAG Lika (Local Action Group Lika) is the official holder of the mark, while the Lika Destination Cluster is responsible for implementing the project.

A system that preserves tradition and builds the future

Today, the system includes 54 producers from the Lika Destination area, with a total of 152 products in 12 different categories – ranging from food and beverages to natural cosmetics and souvenirs. Each of them has undergone a rigorous selection process and met precisely defined criteria of quality, authenticity, and sustainability.

The Lika Quality label is awarded only to products that:

• originate from the Lika Destination area,
• are produced in accordance with all legal regulations,
• demonstrate a higher level of quality and traditional character, and
• represent an authentic part of Lika’s identity.

To bring Lika Quality products closer to visitors, a joint sales point was opened in June 2018 in Plitvice Lakes National Park, in cooperation with the Lika Destination Cluster and the Lika COOP Agricultural Cooperative. The store is located at one of the most visited tourist destinations in Croatia, which is visited annually by approximately 10% of all tourists coming to the country.

In this way, local producers became active participants in the tourist development of Lika. Through the Lika Quality system, their products have found their way to the market – from local shops and events to offerings in accommodation facilities, restaurants, and souvenir shops throughout the destination.

The growing demand for authentic local products comes primarily from tourists who want to take home a memory of Lika through its flavors, aromas, and products with a story. At the same time, hotels and restaurants recognize the value of Lika Quality products and increasingly include them in their offerings, contributing to the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism. As a natural next step in the development of the system, a process is underway to certify restaurants that use Lika Quality ingredients in their menu. In this way, Lika Quality will also appear on guests’ plates, further strengthening Lika’s position as a top gastronomic destination. The goal is to create a complete chain of local sustainability – from producers, through restaurateurs, to the end consumer. This creates a closed-loop system where everyone benefits: producers gain a market, restaurants gain authenticity, and guests gain a unique experience.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, the Lika Quality system has become one of the most recognizable examples of the successful synergy between tourism, economy, and sustainable development in Croatia. From the very beginning, this model has proven that local products can be carriers of a destination’s identity as well as an important part of its economic and tourist story. Thanks to clearly defined criteria, transparency, and a systematic approach to developing local quality, Lika Quality is today cited as a best practice not only at the national level but also across Europe. Numerous institutions, development agencies, and tourist boards contact the Lika Destination Cluster to learn about the system’s operation, and several Croatian regions have already developed their own regional quality labels modeled on Lika Quality. In this way, Lika Quality has become an inspiration and a practical model for applying sustainable development – a system demonstrating that linking local production, tourism, and community creates a sustainable and competitive economic model.

The system has been presented at numerous domestic and international conferences, fairs, and professional gatherings, where it has been highlighted as an example of an integrated approach to destination development. It has been recognized by experts and academia and has received awards for its contribution to promoting sustainable development, strengthening the local economy, and preserving Lika’s traditional values.

For more information about the awards and achievements of the Lika Quality system, read our articles:

• Modeled after the Lika Quality system, Zadar County is launching its own regional quality system
• Lika Quality presented again as an example of good practice
• Destination Lika among the world's 15 most successful examples of sustainable tourism development
• Lika destination among the TOP 100 world Sustainable Green Destinations
• Lika Destinaton is again on the list of TOP 100 green sustainable destinations in the world
• Destination Lika for the 3rd time on the prestigious TOP 100 Global Green Destinations list
• The Green Destinations certificate was presented to the Lika destination
• Lika Destination Cluster presented its work at a workshop of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports
• Lika Destination is again listed among the 50 best examples of sustainable tourism in Europe
• The European Commission selected Lika Destination as an inspiring example of sustainable destination development

Lika Quality – More Than Just Products

The Lika Quality system is guided by the philosophy of sustainable development. Its goal is not only to promote products but also to create a balance between nature conservation, strengthening the local economy, and improving the quality of life for the local population.

The system encourages:

• Increased local production and consumption,
• Preservation of jobs and family farms,
• Collaboration between producers and tourism stakeholders,
• Promotion of the region as an example of sustainable development.

Thanks to the Lika Quality system, Lika has become a recognizable brand of a sustainable destination – a place where quality, nature, and tradition come together in a unique story.

Discover Products with the Lika Signature

Every Lika Quality product carries a mark of authenticity and love for its homeland. Whether it is cheese, honey, brandy, souvenirs, herbal preparations, or traditional handicrafts, each product tells its own story about Lika, its people, and its nature.

You can explore the categories and full list of Lika Quality products here: https://www.lika-destination.hr/lika-quality-products/.