World Olive Oil Production Exceeds 3.2M Tons
This year's total, estimated to exceed 3.225 million tons, will come close to the record 3.271 million tons produced in the 2013/2014 production season.
The International Olive Council reports that global olive oil production for the 2015/2016 season is estimated to be over 3.225 million tons, a 33 percent increase from the previous season. Spain and Italy have had strong seasons, while Tunisia, Turkey, Israel, Albania, and Lebanon are experiencing a decrease in production.
According to the latest production figures released by the International Olive Council (IOC), world olive oil output for the 2015/2016 season has been better than initially expected. This year’s total, estimated to exceed 3.225 million tons, will come close to the record 3.271 million tons produced in the 2013/2014 production season.
This year’s global output is 33 percent higher than the previous season, representing an increase of 790,500 tons.
The world’s largest olive oil producers, Spain and Italy, have had a strong season with a 65 percent increase in production for Spain, and a 112 percent increase for Italy compared to the 2014/2015 season which was the worst experienced by both countries in the past two decades. Greece has also seen a slight increase of 3 percent, while Portugal is poised for a 65 percent rise in production.
A few olive oil producing countries outside the European Union like Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt will have only slight increases, with the most significant figures coming from Argentina, which has seen a 317 percent boost in its production. Modestly higher results were noted in Iran (30 percent) and Jordan (26 percent).
Meanwhile, a few countries have experienced a decrease in production, notably Tunisia with 59 percent less than last year, which was a record production for the North African country. Turkey, Israel, Albania, and Lebanon are also experiencing a decline in olive oil production for the 2015/2016 season.
Related Articles
Mar. 28, 2025
Filippo Berio Execs See Equilibrium Returning to The Global Olive Oil Market
A harvest rebound in Spain and strong harvests elsewhere, have resulted in falling prices at origin and portend a decrease in retail prices, say Berio officials.
Dec. 31, 2025
The 10 Most-Read Olive Oil Times Articles of the Year
From climate pressures and scientific breakthroughs to shifting consumer habits and historic milestones, these were the Olive Oil Times stories that readers returned to the most in 2025.
Feb. 6, 2026
Morocco’s Olive Harvest Races Ahead as Rain, Cold and Labor Shortages Tighten the Window
Moroccan growers are accelerating the harvest after a delayed start and weeks of rain and cold. Labor shortages and higher wages are squeezing timelines even as extraction rates rise and retail olive oil prices fall.
Jan. 5, 2026
How a Family Mill in Florence Built Five Decades of Olive Oil Craftsmanship
Now led by its third generation, Frantoio Il Mandorlo has evolved from a local mill into an award-winning producer while remaining deeply rooted in the Florentine landscape.
Jan. 14, 2026
USDA Forecasts Modest Decline in EU Olive Oil Production
A new USDA report forecasts a modest drop in EU olive oil output, citing heat, drought and pest pressure across key producing regions.
Nov. 17, 2025
How Live Streaming Powers Sales for a Sichuan Olive Oil Producer
Producing organic extra virgin olive oil in the humid climate of northern Sichuan comes with a range of challenges. Social media has proven essential to finding and retaining customers.
Nov. 21, 2025
Longnan Emerges as China’s Fastest-Growing Olive Oil Hub
Longnan, in China’s arid northwest, has become the country’s leading olive oil region, producing more than half of all domestic olives and investing heavily in mills, irrigation and farmer support.
Nov. 26, 2025
Global Olive Oil Production Hits Record 3.5 Million Tons
A new report forecasts global olive oil production at a record 3.507 million tons for 2024/25, driven by strong recovery in Spain and rising output in non-EU countries.