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Taysir Al-Najdawi, President of the Jordan Syndicate of Olive Press Owners, has confirmed that the Kingdom is heading toward an abundant olive season with production levels expected to exceed domestic demand. Al-Najdawi explained that harvesting operations faced a notable delay of two to three weeks due to climate change and the late extension of last winter, which pushed back the flowering stage of olive trees across various governorates.
Regarding current market dynamics, Al-Najdawi attributed the present price surge—with a tin (16kg) reaching between 115 and 120 JOD—to high consumer demand during the early phase of the season, where less than 10% of the harvest has been processed. He projected that prices would stabilize between 100 and 110 JOD over the next few weeks, eventually settling around 100 JOD by the end of November as supply peaks and presses operate at maximum capacity.
The Syndicate President detailed the financial burdens on farmers, noting that production costs per tin range from 75 to 80 JOD. This includes rising labor wages, which have reached 25 to 30 JOD per 100kg of harvested olives, alongside increased fuel and transportation costs. He argued that a selling price of 110 JOD is reasonable given the year-long investment and labor, noting that the average family's oil expenditure amounts to less than one JOD per day when averaged annually.
Al-Najdawi advised consumers to wait until the end of the month to secure better prices and higher quality, cautioning against misleading advertisements on social media platforms. He recommended purchasing exclusively from trusted mills or via the National Olive Oil Festival, scheduled for November 26 to December 25. All quantities at the festival undergo rigorous laboratory testing by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration and the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization to ensure 100% authentic Jordanian origin. Total production is estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, ensuring full self-sufficiency for the Kingdom.
Source: Saraya News Agency