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Tunisia expects a sharp rise in olive oil production for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, with Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub forecasting output of around 500,000 tonnes, up 47% from the previous season.
The announcement came during a meeting of the National Council for Bottled Olive Oil held on Monday, at which the minister said Tunisia aims to export 300,000 tonnes of this output, underlining the strategic importance of the commodity to the national economy and the country's export revenues, according to data released by the ministry.
Boosting Bottled Exports And Supporting A Strategic Sector:
The minister stressed the need to strengthen exports of bottled olive oil through a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. She reiterated the priority the government places on this strategic sector, reviewing the decisions issued by the restricted ministerial council held on 25 October 2025. These decisions aim to promote Tunisia as a source of high-quality bottled olive oil that meets International Olive Council standards.
Support Programmes For Start-Ups And Promotional Efforts:
The meeting also addressed a dedicated programme to support start-ups in the field of product exports, aimed at developing their export capabilities and helping them prepare plans to access foreign markets, in addition to supporting them through promotion, market positioning and obtaining the necessary certifications.
Participants also reviewed the achievements of the 2025 public-interest advertising and promotional programme, part of efforts to expand the scope of intervention of the Bottled Olive Oil Development Fund in boosting and diversifying exports to foreign markets.
Approval Of 2026 Plans And New Markets:
The council approved the components of the 2026 programme, which reflects continued national efforts to promote Tunisia's origin status for olive oil and to win new, promising markets. These promising markets include Asian markets, Latin America, Russia and Saudi Arabia, in addition to strengthening the position of Tunisian bottled olive oil in markets where it is already present.
At the close of the meeting, participants reaffirmed ongoing coordination with the ministries of foreign affairs, trade and agriculture to promote Tunisian bottled olive oil. The organisation of the national competition for the National Award for Best Bottled Olive Oil for the 2025-2026 season was also announced.
Source: Tunis Afrique Presse