Argentina has long been one of Latin America’s top olive oil producing countries, with over US$30 million in exports recorded during the first trimester of 2011 alone. But despite strong numbers abroad, domestic consumption remains paltry in comparison. The average Argentine consumes just 125 grams annually, according to El Sol.
Industry representatives in the northwest province of La Rioja are now trying to change this with an effort to put more bottles of olive oil on Argentine dinner tables across the socioeconomic spectrum.
A new bill presented by Kirchnerist deputy Javier Tineo aims to “enhance the dissemination” of olive oil and increase its consumption and production on the national level. The bill proposes that olive oil be labeled a “national food,” to join the ranks of beef, dulce de leche, empanadas and other foods found in virtually any Argentine household.
Javier Tineo
More than anything, the initiative would aim to change the perception of olive oil in a culture that generally views it as an elite product consumed only by the wealthy. Supporters of the bill say that an effective campaign would raise consumption and help stimulate regional economies.
The market has been facing pressure recently to boost internal sales due to increasing export restrictions, particularly to its main buyer Brazil. Falling international prices and rising production costs have only added to the woes.
“Due to successive crises, investment in the sector has slowed and many farms have stopped expanding for financial reasons, low competitiveness and low prices internationally, all of which have eroded the integral profitability of investment projects,” said Tineo.
The plan, Tineo added, “must be accompanied by public policies that encourage both primary production and industrialization of olives in their two main variants: table (or preserved olives) and olive oil.”
Related Articles
Oct. 30, 2023
Award-Winning Producer Highlights Growth in South African Industry
On a 330-year-old farm, the NYIOOC award-winning Babylonstoren has become one of South Africa’s largest olive oil producers.
Apr. 11, 2024
Germany's Consumer Watchdog Warns Olive Oil Quality Is Falling
The warning comes after 17 of 19 samples of labeled extra virgin olive oil were found to be marginal, at best.
Feb. 23, 2024
After Bumper Harvests, a Sharply Lower Yield in Argentina
An ‘off-year’ harvest, lack of chill hours, and extreme weather events are expected to reduce the yield by as much as 40 percent.
Dec. 18, 2023
Reflections on 45 Years Championing Italian Olive Oil in America
Nearly half of a century after a chance encounter with an Italian olive oil producer, John J. Profaci looks back on his role in the American market.
Jan. 16, 2024
IOC Leader Focuses on Expanding Cultivation, Fighting Climate Change
The International Olive Council director, Jaime Lillo, says the future of olive oil production lies beyond the Mediterranean.
Aug. 2, 2023
Spain Reclaims Top Spot as Largest Olive Oil Exporter to U.S.
The removal of trade barriers and changes in strategy by Spanish companies has resulted in a steady increase in olive oil exports to the lucrative U.S. market.
Nov. 21, 2023
The Agronomic and Macroeconomic Forces Behind Olive Oil Prices in Italy
Despite an anticipated production rebound in Italy, prices will likely remain high. Farmers will need to adapt to a new reality.
Jan. 3, 2024
Upstart Belgian Importer Stakes Claim on the World Stage
The founders of ASUR source award-winning oils from Greece to sell in Belgium and the Netherlands, facing challenges associated with nascent olive oil markets.