Africa / Middle East
Dec. 1, 2025
Lebanon’s Growers Struggle as Conflict, Climate Pressures Deepen
Lebanon’s 2025/2026 olive harvest is unfolding under extreme strain, with drought, soaring costs and persistent military tensions in the south driving yields sharply lower. Farmers describe a season marked by insecurity, water scarcity and rapidly rising prices.
Nov. 17, 2025
Amid the Hum of Olive Mills, Afrin Farmers Work Under Threat
In Afrin, the hum of olive presses returns, but unease lingers as Turkey-backed factions continue to influence Syria’s main olive-growing region.
Nov. 12, 2025
Report Exposes Extortion and Violence in Syria’s Olive Heartland
Once responsible for a third of Syria’s olive oil, Afrin’s farmers now face illegal levies, intimidation and violence under militia control, according to a new report by Syrians for Truth and Justice.
Nov. 5, 2025
Falling Prices and Fraud Claims Cloud Tunisia’s Olive Oil Boom
Tunisian producers face shrinking margins even as shipments climb, with European lawmakers probing claims of financial irregularities behind collapsing prices.
Nov. 4, 2025
Drought and Low Yields Push Jordan to Explore Olive Oil Imports
With output expected to fall by half due to drought and natural yield cycles, Jordan faces rising olive oil prices and supply shortages.
Nov. 4, 2025
Willow Creek’s Cooperative Approach Brings Stability to Olive Growers
Inspired by models in Europe and Chile, Willow Creek’s Guild of Groves brings 35 South African olive growers together to share resources, reduce costs, and boost quality.
Oct. 24, 2025 News Briefs
Oct. 20, 2025 News Briefs
Sep. 29, 2025 News Briefs
Sep. 26, 2025 Producer Profiles
Turkish Producer Monsida Eyes Global Markets After Record Harvest
Aug. 21, 2025
Turkey Approves Coal Mining in Olive Groves
The new law, which allows mining operations to take place in olive groves, will make the country's olive sector compete for land with the energy sector.
Aug. 6, 2025
Southern Hemisphere NYIOOC Nears Registration Deadline as September Results Loom
Registration for the Southern Hemisphere edition of the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is closing soon, with organizers preparing to reveal award winners beginning in September.
Jul. 23, 2025
Egypt Proposes Geographical Indication for Ras Sedr Olive Oil
Egypt's Ras Sedr region has proposed new GI for local extra virgin olive oil, aiming to add value to production and boost sustainable farming.
Jul. 23, 2025
Turkish Olive Oil Exports to Australia Surge Amid Strategic Trade Push
A Turkish producers' association said bilateral trade talks played a significant role in the 162 percent increase in olve oil exports and the 85 percent rise in table olive exports to Australia.
Jul. 8, 2025
Jordan Launches Campaign to Support Olive Sector
Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture has launched a national campaign to modernize the olive oil sector, focusing on quality, sustainability and public awareness.
Jul. 6, 2025
Orhan Okulu Claims Third Golden Belt at 664th Kırkpınar
The Antaya native defeated Feyzullah Aktürk at the historic olive oil wrestling tournament, widely considered the world's oldest sporting event.
Jun. 23, 2025
Sustainable Practices Help North African Producers Triumph in Tough Season
Producers from Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt overcame drought and heat to earn 16 awards at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
Dec. 14, 2024
Political Turmoil Complicates Efforts to Revive Syrian Exports
After overthrowing the autocratic rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new governing coalition said it would enact free-market reforms and stimulate exports.
Nov. 24, 2024
Arrest of CHO Group CEO Shocks Tunisian Olive Oil Sector
An abundant olive harvest in Tunisia has the country's largest olive oil exporter working at full tilt, even as questions linger about the company's chief executive.
Nov. 12, 2024
Jordan Braces for Disappointing Harvest Amid Low Oil Yields
Despite initial hopes for a larger harvest, Jordan now predicts olive production will reach 26,000 metric tons this year, a reduction of 4,000 tons.
Nov. 7, 2024
South African Brands Shine Again at World Competition
Despite the erratic weather and frequent power outages during harvest, producers from South Africa combined to win twelve of the industry's most prestigious quality awards.
Nov. 7, 2024
Turkish Producers Set for Bumper Harvest
In the best-case scenario, officials anticipate a record-breaking harvest of 475,000 tons. However, a lack of rain could curtail the final yield.
Oct. 31, 2024
Turkey Lifts Ban on Bulk Olive Oil Exports
The move comes when stocks are high in Turkey and non-existent in Europe. Another bumper harvest is expected.
Oct. 17, 2024
Major Olive Oil Producer Loses $3M in Spate of Thefts
The CHO Group experienced warehouse thefts in Canada and the United States, with some stolen olive oil appearing at discounted prices.
Oct. 9, 2024
South African Farmers Enjoy Production Rebound
Despite challenges created by bad weather and rolling blackouts, producers across South Africa enjoyed a fruitful harvest.