In Osijek, a case of a lubenicomat has been reported: 20 euros?

In June 2026, residents of Osijek, Croatia, were confronted with an unexpected situation involving self-service stands selling zucchini, which quickly became known locally as "lubenicomati." These automated kiosks appeared suddenly around several locations in the city, sparking immediate suspicion among locals. The first day they were set up, each zucchini was priced at 20 euros, a figure that soon dropped to 10 euros. Despite this price adjustment, the origins of the produce remained unclear, leading to widespread concern about their authenticity and legality.

The stands claimed to offer zucchinis sourced from a local producer based in Metković, a town in southern Croatia. Each machine displayed the name of the supposed producer, along with a registration number associated with a farming enterprise. However, when these claims were investigated, discrepancies emerged. According to checks conducted by the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, the listed agricultural production group did not exist. This raised further doubts about the legitimacy of the operation.

Željko Bjeliš, president of the Association of Producers of Agrumes and Vegetables "Neretvanska mladež," confirmed that the harvesting season for Neretvan zucchinis had not yet begun. He stated that the harvest would start within ten to fifteen days, either later in the current week or early next week. Based on this information, he concluded with certainty that the zucchinis being sold were imported from Albania rather than being locally grown.

The city's municipal services also responded to the issue. Siniša Lordan, head of the sub-department for urban management in the City Administration for Communal Economy and Traffic, noted that the person responsible for setting up the machines was not registered in the database of agricultural producers. The machines had been placed without proper authorization, violating local regulations. The city's traffic and communal services department was already conducting inspections and documenting the locations of these unauthorized setups. Afterward, the individual behind the operation would be reported to the relevant inspection authorities for further action. Meanwhile, the machines would be removed by the trading company Unikom.

The controversy surrounding the origin of the zucchinis extended beyond just the legal and regulatory concerns. Many citizens expressed shock over the high initial price tag of 20 euros per zucchini, questioning whether such a product could genuinely be considered domestic. Some social media users commented on the ethical implications of purchasing such expensive produce, suggesting that even if the zucchinis were indeed locally grown, the price was unjustifiably high. Others pointed out more affordable alternatives where similar products could be found. A few individuals speculated about the possibility of someone attempting to break into the machines to steal the contents, highlighting the broader public interest in the matter.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on verifying the true origin of the zucchinis and ensuring compliance with local laws regarding the placement of vending machines in public spaces. Authorities have emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations, particularly concerning food sourcing and pricing. The incident has sparked discussions about consumer awareness and the need for stricter oversight of such operations to prevent potential fraud or misuse of public resources. With the city administration taking active steps to address the situation, the outcome will likely depend on the findings of ongoing investigations and the subsequent actions taken by the relevant authorities.