Half of them are from the Arab world. Learn about the top ten olive oil producers

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Olive oil is one of the most widely used oils in the world, valued for both its culinary and health applications. According to the latest figures from the International Olive Council (IOC), adopted at the 122nd session of the Council of Members (Madrid, November 2025), world production for the 2025/26 crop year is estimated at around 3.44 million tonnes — a 4% decline from the 3.572 million tonnes recorded in 2024/25, a record season that followed the collapse of the 2023/24 crop to just 2.589 million tonnes.

The biggest change in the new ranking is that Tunisia has climbed to second place worldwide, with an expected 450,000 tonnes, moving ahead of both Italy and Türkiye, while Spain retains its lead by a wide margin. And half of the top ten producers are still Arab countries: Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Algeria and Egypt.

Top 10 olive oil producing countries (2025/26 crop year):

Spain

Tunisia

Italy

Türkiye

Greece

Morocco

Portugal

Syria

Algeria

Egypt

1) Spain

Spain's production is estimated at 1,371.9 thousand tonnes in 2025/26, against 1,419.1 thousand tonnes in 2024/25, keeping it firmly in first place with close to 40% of world output on its own. This is driven by an ideal climate and vast olive groves, particularly in Andalusia, which accounts for more than 75% of Spanish olive oil.

Spain is known for the quality and diversity of its oils, combining traditional methods with modern technology to ensure quality and sustainability. Leading brands include Carbonell, Hojiblanca and Borges, exporting to markets such as Italy, Japan and the United States. Sustained investment in research and development has reinforced Spain's position as a major producer of extra virgin and organic olive oil.

2) Tunisia

Tunisia takes second place globally with an expected 450,000 tonnes in 2025/26, up 32% from 340,000 tonnes in 2024/25. With domestic consumption of no more than 50,000 tonnes, exports are heading toward roughly 300,000 tonnes — making Tunisia the largest olive oil exporter outside the European Union and a critical source of bulk oil for European markets.

Olive cultivation in Tunisia dates back to antiquity, concentrated in the centre and south of the country, especially the Sahel region and Sfax. Tunisia exports high-quality oils from the Chemlali and Chetoui varieties to Europe, the United States and Asia, supported by ongoing government investment in infrastructure, export incentives and international promotion of Tunisian oil.

3) Italy

Italy ranks third worldwide with an expected 300,000 tonnes in 2025/26, up 21% from 248,000 tonnes the previous season. Olive oil is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine and culture, recognised for its high quality and diverse flavour profiles.

Cultivation is concentrated in Puglia, Calabria and Sicily, with Puglia alone producing roughly half of national output. The industry combines traditional and modern methods and is home to globally known brands such as Filippo Berio, Carapelli and Bertolli. Italy is also a leader in organic olive oil, backed by strict PDO and PGI schemes that guarantee quality and authenticity.

4) Türkiye

Türkiye comes fourth with an expected 290,000 tonnes in 2025/26 — a sharp 43% drop from the record 505,000 tonnes of 2024/25, when it ranked second worldwide. This swing reflects the alternate bearing cycle characteristic of olive trees, compounded by the impact of export restriction policies on the sector.

Production is concentrated in the Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean regions, which yield high-quality oils with a light, fruity character. Türkiye has invested heavily in modern infrastructure to improve output and quality, and leading brands such as Tariş, Komili and Kristal export to Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

5) Greece

Greece ranks fifth with an expected 220,000 tonnes in 2025/26, against 250,000 tonnes the previous season, affected by persistent drought on Crete. Greek olive oil is known for its high quality and rich flavour, produced mainly in the Peloponnese, Crete and the Ionian Islands.

Brands such as Minerva, Terra Creta and Kolymvari are prominent internationally, with the country focused on extra virgin production under strict standards that preserve flavour and quality.

6) Morocco

Morocco jumps to sixth place worldwide with an expected 160,000 tonnes in 2025/26, up roughly 78% from 90,000 tonnes in 2024/25, following a marked recovery from consecutive drought years. Olive cultivation is concentrated around Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, producing robustly flavoured oils.

Brands such as Lesieur Cristal, Al Andalus and Zitoun Al-Massira export to global markets, while the government supports a shift toward organic and sustainable farming to protect the environment and improve product quality.

7) Portugal

With an expected 150,000 tonnes in 2025/26 against 177,000 tonnes the previous season, Portugal is the seventh largest producer. Output is concentrated in the Alentejo region, where an ideal climate, advanced technology and super-high-density planting have driven up both yields and quality.

Portugal exports to Europe, the Americas and Brazil through well-known brands such as Gallo and Oliveira da Serra, with a strong focus on organic and sustainable production.

8) Syria

Syria's production is estimated at 95,000 tonnes in 2025/26, against 105,000 tonnes the previous season, placing it eighth worldwide. Olive trees are grown in Aleppo, Latakia and Idlib, and Syrian oils are known for their robust, pungent character.

Despite the challenges, brands such as Al-Mazraa and Al-Arab retain international recognition, with production drawing on both traditional and modern techniques and exports of around 38,000 tonnes.

9) Algeria

With an expected 75,500 tonnes in 2025/26 against 85,000 tonnes the previous season, Algeria is the ninth largest producer. Groves are concentrated in Kabylie, the Aurès mountains and coastal areas, producing oils with a distinctive flavour.

Almost all Algerian output goes to domestic consumption, which stands at around 80,500 tonnes. Brands such as La Belle and Aurès export limited volumes, with growing interest in organic and sustainable cultivation.

10) Egypt

Egypt ranks tenth with an expected 50,000 tonnes in 2025/26, up from 45,000 tonnes the previous season. Olive cultivation is concentrated in Sinai, the Nile Delta, the Western Desert and Siwa Oasis, where conditions are well suited to olive oil production.

Brands such as Wadi Food, El-Arab and Siwa are known for their quality, using advanced production methods that preserve natural flavour and health benefits. The industry is also shifting toward sustainable farming and modern irrigation technologies.

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Olive oil production table for the top ten producing countries

Conclusion

Olive oil production remains a core part of the global agricultural sector, and Spain retains its lead by an unmatched margin. What is new in 2025/26 is Tunisia's rise to second place worldwide and Morocco's recovery with a jump of nearly 78%, set against a sharp fall in Turkish output driven by alternate bearing.

The Arab world remains strongly represented with five countries in the top ten: Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Algeria and Egypt. As demand for natural and healthy oils continues to grow, the sector keeps evolving with a focus on sustainability and adaptation to climate change to safeguard the future of high-quality olive oil production.

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Source:
International Olive Council (IOC) — Key figures on the world market for olive oils, adopted at the 122nd session of the Council of Members, Madrid, November 2025.
International Olive Council – Statistics