The construction of a strategic plan to tackle the problem of low prices was proposed in a meeting between the Greek minister of agriculture, Makis Vorides, and the National Interprofessional Olive Oil Association of Greece (EDOE).
The two concurred that the surplus of olive oil is responsible for the prevailing low prices, while private storage of excessive olive oil quantities was seen as an inefficient remedy for Greece.
“Everybody agrees that olive oil prices are affected by the high supply, mostly due to the huge production of Spain,” the ministry’s press release said. “Private storage is not the solution and would not be effective in the Greek market. Instead, it is necessary to apply measures to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the olive oil sector and to enforce promotional actions and support the marketability of Greek olive oil.”
As a consequence, the ministry of agriculture and EDOE agreed to start working on a set of goals to promote the stability of the sector. The plan is expected to be reviewed in March.
Part of the plan is expected to be a modification of legislation mandating that restaurateurs serve only non-refillable, sealed bottles of olive oil to seated customers.
“The change in legislation makes it mandatory that a non-refillable bottle of branded olive oil will be present on the tables at restaurants,” Giorgos Economou, the executive director of SEVITEL, the association of Greek olive oil bottlers, said.
“Eateries currently absorb around 10,000 tons of olive oil. With only bottled olive oil on tables, we estimate that a quantity of 4,000 tons will be consumed that can potentially increase if the measure is implemented,” Economou added.
The measure of sealed, non-refillable bottles, was introduced in 2018 to prevent restaurants and taverns from serving bulk olive oil, however its adoption is spotty and largely unenforced.
Related Articles
Jul. 6, 2023
This Small but Mighty Producer Takes a Traditional Cretan Variety to New Heights
Award-winning Silvergreen elevates the products of Crete via the Tsounati, a delicate but rewarding olive variety native to the Greek island.
May. 15, 2023
Greek Producers Celebrate a Strong Showing in New York
With 90 awards earned at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, producers from Greece reaffirmed their devotion to quality.
Jul. 31, 2023
Olive Oil Producers in Greece Brace for Steep Production Decline
Warm weather, low fruition levels and the emergence of the fruit fly pose significant challenges to olive oil producers towards the next harvesting season.
Dec. 5, 2023
Soaring Expenses Strain Producers in Southern Europe
Olive oil producers in Spain, Italy and Greece are grappling with challenges that threaten the viability of the sector.
Oct. 26, 2023
High-Priced Olive Oil Fuels Thefts in Greece, Farmers Respond
Tons of olive oil were stolen from a mill in northern Greece. Meanwhile, producers in Crete are contemplating anti-theft measures such as GPS trackers.
Aug. 7, 2023
In Greece, Olive Oil Remains Absent from Restaurant and Tavern Tables
The use of bulk olive oil in cruets for customer consumption has been banned in eateries since 2018. However, sealed, non-refillable bottles have failed to replace them.
Sep. 18, 2023
Storms in Greece Flood Olive Groves, Damage Trees
Heavy rain and hailstorms swept across Greece, damaging olive trees ahead of the upcoming harvest and raising concerns over the spread of disease.
Jun. 27, 2023
Chalkidiki Olive Farmers Face Tragic Fruit Set After Another Mild Winter
Table olive producers on the northern Greek peninsula are at the mercy of the region’s ever-changing microclimate, which threatens to eviscerate the approaching harvest.