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Olive oil is one of the most used oils in the world. It has several nutritional and health uses. Over the past years, its production has seen a rise of over 60%. Spain leads the list of countries producing olive oil globally. Exporting olive oil is an important source of income for countries such as Morocco, Spain and Italy.
List of top 10 olive oil producing countries:
Spain
Italy
Turkey
Tunisia
Greece
Portugal
Morocco
Syria
Algiers
Egypt
Spain's olive oil production was 766.4 thousand metric tons during the 2023-2024 season, making it the world's top producing country. This success is due to the ideal climate and the vast areas of olive plantations, especially in the Andalusia region, which produces more than 75% of Spanish olive oil.
Spain is famous for the quality and variety of flavors of olive oil, integrating traditional methods with modern technology to ensure quality and sustainability. Notable brands include Carbonell, Hojiblanca and Borges, which are exported to countries such as Italy, Japan and the United States. Investment in research and development has also strengthened Spain's position as a major producer of extra virgin and organic olive oil.
Italy ranks second in the world with a production of 288.9 thousand metric tons in the 2023-2024 season. Olive oil is a staple in Italian cuisine and culture, known for its high quality and varied flavors.
Olive cultivation is concentrated in Puglia, Calabria and Sicily, with Puglia alone producing about half of the national production. The industry relies on traditional and modern methods, and is famous for its global brands such as Filippo Berio, Carapelli and Bertoli. Italy is also a leader in organic olive oil production thanks to its strict standards such as PDO and PGI to ensure quality and authenticity.
Turkey is the third largest producer of olive oil in the world with a production of 210,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season. The industry has experienced significant growth, especially in the Aegean, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions, which produce high-quality olive oils with a light fruity taste.
Turkey has invested heavily in modern infrastructure to improve production and quality, and exports its prominent brands such as Tariş, Komili and Kristal to markets in Europe, America and the Middle East. There is also an increasing focus on organic and sustainable olive production.
With a production of 200,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season, Tunisia is the fourth largest producer in the world. The history of olive cultivation in Tunisia dates back to ancient times. Farms are concentrated in the center and south, especially in the Sahel and Sfax regions.
Tunisia exports its high-quality oils such as Chemlali and Chetoui to Europe, the United States and Asia. The government also supports the sector by developing infrastructure, stimulating exports and enhancing the reputation of Tunisian oil globally.
Greece ranks fifth in the world with a production of 195,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season. Known for its high quality and rich flavors, Greek olive oil is mainly produced in Peloponnese, Crete and the Ionian Islands.
Brands such as Minerva, Terra Creta and Kolymvari are prominent names in the world. The country focuses on producing extra virgin olive oil with strict standards to maintain flavor and quality.
With a production of 150,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season, Portugal is the sixth largest producer in the world. Production is concentrated in the Alentejo area, where the ideal climate and advanced technology contribute to quality improvement.
Portugal exports its oils to Europe, America and Brazil through famous brands such as Gallo and Oliveira da Serra, with a strong focus on organic and sustainable production.
Morocco ranks seventh with a production of 106 thousand metric tons in the 2023-2024 season. Olive cultivation is concentrated in Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, where highly flavored olive oils are produced.
Brands such as Lesieur Cristal, Al Andalus and Zitoun Al-Massira are exported to global markets. The government also supports the shift towards organic and sustainable agriculture to preserve the environment and enhance product quality.
Syria produces 95,000 metric tons of olive oil in the 2023-2024 season, making it the eighth largest producer in the world. Olive trees are grown in Aleppo, Latakia and Idlib. Syrian oils are known for their strength and sharp flavor.
Despite challenges, brands such as Al-Mazraa and Al-Arab are still world-renowned, as production relies on traditional and modern techniques to maintain quality.
With a production of 93,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season, Algeria is the ninth largest producer in the world. The farms are concentrated in Kabylie, the Auras Mountains, and coastal areas, where olive oils are produced with a unique flavor.
Brands such as La Belle and Aurès export their products to global markets, with a growing interest in organic and sustainable agriculture.
Egypt is in tenth place with a production of 40,000 metric tons in the 2023-2024 season. Olive cultivation is concentrated in Sinai, the Nile Delta, and the Western Desert, providing ideal conditions for the production of olive oil.
Brands such as Wadi Food, El-Arab, and Siwa are known for their high quality, while adopting advanced production methods that ensure the retention of natural flavor and health benefits. The industry is also undergoing a shift towards sustainable agriculture and the use of advanced irrigation techniques.
Olive oil production is a key part of the global agricultural sector, with Spain, Italy and Greece leading the way in terms of production and quality. Countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, and Turkey are also emerging as major players.
With the increasing demand for natural and healthy oils, the sector is constantly evolving with a focus on sustainability and adapting to climate change to ensure continued production of high-quality olive oil.
source:
bestdiplomats.org
