The subject of the work is the quantitative analysis of Croatian fruit growing sector compared to the fruit sector of neighbouring European Union countries (Slovenia, Italy and Hungary) for the period from 2004. to 2013. In addition an analysis of the fruit trade balance of Croatia during 2013. is analysed as well as the competitive potential of the mentioned sector. Based on the available statistical data the basic features of the fruit sector are described: production area, volume of production, prices and value of imports and exports of fruit production. The results show significant lag of Croatia in comparison to the neighbouring EU countries in production (t/ha) of all fruit species except for tangerines. By applying the methods of price projections for future, the survey results show decrease in prices of Croatian cherries, plums, tangerines, peaches and nectarines. Italy confirms high development level and competitiveness of its fruit sector in both used surfaces and production volume, as well as in lowest prices of fruit species and the leading position on the European fruit market. Slovenia follows the example of Italy for its production, but stands out with the highest average prices of fruit species. Although Croatia has the necessary natural resources and convenience for diverse fruit production, in future it will continue to depend on import of all fruit species. It should be stressed that time is running out for application of measures that allow the recovery and rehabilitation of the sector to the level of self-sufficiency in fruit production. Illogical actions in the past which brought this sector and the whole agricultural production of Croatia from self-sufficiency and even export in the past to current dependence on imports inevitably leads to the destruction of the fruit sector. Agriculture, including fruit production does not consist only of major manufacturers; the strategy needs to be adjusted to enable small producers to survive and continue fruit production, because Croatia is a small country. Croatia should learn from the example of Slovenia, take advantage of European funds and direct them to small family farms, but above all it should jump start the production and expand areas of production with new plants.