Croatia’s Pawpaw Festival Unveils Exotic Flavors and Surprising Delights

In Gornja Bistra, on September 12 and 13, 2025, the Sixth Pawpaw (Indian Banana) Festival will take place, one of the most special and innovative events in Croatian agriculture and gastronomy. The festival organizers, married couple Martina and Ivan Šulog, together with their four daughters, will use this opportunity to present not only the unique pawpaw fruit—with its rich nutritional and medicinal properties—but also a whole range of exotic fruits and vegetables grown on the Exotic King plantations, all in the beautiful nature of the old chameleon in Gornja Bistra.

Over the years, the festival has grown and gathers more and more visitors and exhibitors, while Exotic King continuously develops new products and expands its plantations. Did you know that there are more than 30 exotic fruits sold in Croatia, which are true nutritional treasure troves, but which most people still know little about? These very fruits, along with the pawpaw, will be in the focus of this two-day festival.

Pawpaw has been growing in Bistra for 10 years

Exotic King, the only company in Croatia specialized in the production of pawpaw, exotic fruits such as kiwano and African plum, has, since its founding in 1996, promoted ecological, sustainable cultivation and innovative agricultural technologies that ensure the highest product quality and environmental protection. The pawpaw, also known as Asimina triloba, has the largest edible fruit among species of this type, rich in vitamins C, A, and E, essential amino acids, and polyphenols that provide strong antioxidant protection and support overall health. The company stands out for its innovative approach, including low-carbon technologies and environmentally friendly cultivation methods, aiming to preserve the environment and increase product quality.

Program for everyone

The festival offers a rich program, including tastings of various exotic fruits and products, workshops for children, a round table with interesting speakers, a gastro offer with unique desserts and drinks, and entertainment with music and performances for all generations. Visitors will be able to taste and purchase products such as wine, beer, brandy, jams, and even hot sauces made from exotic fruits, and special attention is drawn to a new format of education about sustainable and low-carbon cultivation under climate change conditions. The official opening of the festival is on Friday, September 12 at 4 PM, after which visitors will have the opportunity to experience adrenaline banana drift car rides from 4 to 6 PM, under the expert guidance of Marko Palijan.

At 4:20 PM the Magic Leon show begins, followed by a performance by Studio Smijeha (Marina Orsag and Igor Drljo), and a live concert by the band Misterrs who will play from 7 PM until midnight. The Saturday program starts at 11 AM with the official opening and brings professional and educational content, gastronomic delights, and a variety of entertainment for the whole family. From 11:20 AM to 1 PM, a round table on the topic of pawpaw and its production will be held, where the audience can ask questions to renowned professors and nutritionists. The culinary show by chef Alma Catlak takes place from 1:15 to 3 PM, with a special emphasis on the success of pawpaw and exotic fruits. For horse sport lovers, horseback riding is available all day from 1 to 5 PM with the Miklin Equestrian Club. The afternoon brings another show by the magical magician Leon in two parts, with Marina Orsag and Igor Drljo entertaining the audience in between. Adrenaline banana drift car rides are planned from 4 to 6 PM, and the musical atmosphere from 5 to 7:30 PM will be provided by DJ Rea and the bands Misterrs and Mudri, who will entertain the audience late into the night. More information about the festival and Exotic King is available on the official websites exotic-king.eu and indijanske-banane.eu.