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In a revealing interview at the Torclum olive oil mill, Jordi Pascual, the national head of olive oil for Unió de Pagesos, highlighted critical transparency issues within the Spanish olive oil market. Pascual reported that up to 100,000 tons of olive oil from Tunisia and Morocco enter Spain annually, after which the trail of the product is often lost, raising significant concerns about final labeling and origin disclosure to consumers.
Pascual emphasized that much of this imported oil is sold without clear indications of its non-EU origin. He alleged that many products marketed in large supermarkets as 'extra virgin' may actually be refined oils or blends of lower quality. According to the industry leader, the only way for consumers to guarantee they are receiving authentic high-quality oil is to purchase directly from cooperatives or small-scale producers who prioritize excellence over mass production volume.
The interview further explored the technicalities of the current harvest. Pascual explained that 'green oil' harvested in September is filtered to provide a shelf life of up to two years, whereas unfiltered 'freshly pressed' oil must be consumed within weeks. He noted that the cost of producing premium extra virgin oil is high, asserting that any bottle priced under ten euros per liter is unlikely to be genuine extra virgin oil given current production expenses and harvest yields.
Economically, the sector is under immense pressure. Production costs have surged by 70%, yet farm-gate prices have not kept pace with inflation over the long term. Furthermore, 75% of olive groves in regions like Catalonia are rain-fed and facing severe crop losses due to drought. Pascual warned that while Andalusia sets global price benchmarks, the deficit in Catalan production will maintain upward pressure on prices. He concluded by criticizing government inaction regarding labeling fraud, suggesting that the economic weight of large retailers prevents stricter enforcement.
Source: Diari ARA