Spain is the world's largest producer, manufacturing almost half of the world's olive oil. Other large producers are Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Turkey and Morocco.
Although we've already noted that Spain is in the top spot, it is worth repeating that of the world's supply of olive oil, Spain produces around 75% of it.
Most of the world supply of olive oil is produced in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin, but some is produced in California, South America, and Australia. Leading producers include Spain, Italy, Greece, and Tunisia.
Italy is known to produce the second-largest amount of olive oil. Most of the olive oil in Italy comes from the southern regions, such as Sicily, Basilicata and Sardinia.
Spain is also the world's leading source of the golden juice of the olive fruit, the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It produces about half the world's total olive oil, of which about 46% is exported, making Spain the world's leading olive oil producer and exporter.
Spain produces approximately 45% of the world's olives. Italian olive oil is typically a darker green and has a more herbaceous flavor and aroma. In particular, olives from northern Italy produce a lighter and smoother olive.
There is a common perception related to Olive Oils that are imported from Italy; people assume that they're higher quality than those from their Mediterranean neighbors, Spain. Interestingly, there is no direct correlation between higher quality oils when you compare these two beautiful countries' output.
Producers from Italy won 174 awards, followed by their counterparts in Spain (106), Croatia (105), Greece (90), the United States (80) and Turkey (74). There were also triumphs from lesser-known olive oil-producing countries, including China, Lebanon, Egypt and Algeria.
Lebanon produces some of the highest quality olive oil in the world. The climate and soil in Lebanon are ideal for growing olives.
Avocado oil is pressed from the flesh of the fruit, not the seed or the skin, and is therefore not necessarily considered a “seed oil,” like other vegetable oils (grapeseed, canola, soybean, etc.) [*]. The fatty acid composition of avocado oil depends on the fatty acid composition of the flesh of the avocado fruit.
Al Jouf and Its Olives
Today, the largest modern olive farm can be found here — just check the Guinness World Records, which awarded this title to the Al Jouf Agricultural Development Company. With more than 5 million olive trees, the company produces about 15,000 tons of olive oil per year.
In recent years Spain has been the largest consumer of olive oil worldwide with a consumption of more than 500,000 tons per year, representing around 17- 1% of world production. This means that each Spaniard consumes approximately 11 liters of olive oil per capita per year.
Exporters and Importers
In 2021, the top exporters of Olive Oil were Spain ($230M), Italy ($90M), Greece ($70.5M), Morocco ($23.8M), and Tunisia ($19.4M). In 2021, the top importers of Olive Oil were Spain ($80.2M), Italy ($61.6M), United States ($34.3M), Portugal ($22.1M), and United Kingdom ($22M).
The Bottom Line. Many people have often been under the impression that only one type of olive oil exists. More lately, however, the distinction between Greek and Italian olive oils has become more evident. Because of Greece's reputation for producing high-quality olives, their olive oil is a wise choice.
Extra virgin olive oil is the purest form of olive oil and therefore the most nutrient-rich. Substituting 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day for saturated fats, such as animal and dairy fats, will improve your health inside and out.
Climate conditions specific to Tunisia offer the best conditions for growing high quality olive, with 3500 hours of sunshine per year in some regions. Tunisia has the highest density of olive plantations in the world with 1.8 million hectares covered. It ranks second in the world in terms of olive oil production.
Argan oil can cost as much as $300 per liter, making it the world's most expensive edible oil. Made in Morocco.
There are several reasons why the price of olive oil is about to go up. If you haven't been following the news, during the summer of 2022, droughts and heatwaves hit several olive oil-producing regions across Europe. This led to a suboptimal harvest season. A lower supply ultimately means a higher cost.
From making toast for breakfast, and salads for brunch, to creating different recipes for supper, olive oil is an essential ingredient in Spanish kitchens. Spain's olive oil, often called Spain's liquid gold, is the most sought after because of its wide variety, high quality, and numerous health benefits.
“Extra virgins from Messinia and Lakonia had the highest concentrations of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. For oleacein and oleocanthal, the champion seems to be Crete with an average of 93 milligrams per kilogram of olive oil, when the other areas had a concentration of around 47 milligrams per kilogram.”
Bertolli Olive Oil - Imported From Italy - Canadian Class Action.
Greece has been regarded as producing the best olive oil in the world! This is due to the percentage of olive oil production, 80% of one type of oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).