News Briefs
The current olive harvest in Albania has reached record numbers. Still, local producers must cope with uncertain export opportunities and low product prices.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the current campaign could end well above expectations, with around 25,000 tons of olive oil. Experts say the production growth results from good climate conditions and long-standing investments to expand production.
According to International Olive Council (IOC) data, Albania produced 11,000 tons in the 2021/22 crop year. If confirmed, the latest harvest’s results would be much higher than any previous campaign’s.
See Also:Olive Oil Business NewsStill, local producers warned that the record production might destabilize the market. Exports are negligible, and local demand will not be sufficient to absorb production. Storage facilities are also limited.
The IOC estimates that the country consumes approximately 13,000 tons of olive oil annually.
According to the Albanian Daily News, the vast majority of the olive oil produced in the country comes from small producers. Ninety-five percent of all olive oil in Albania is sold informally, with only 5 percent finding the way to a supermarket shelf.
Local observers see a connection between the low prices available to consumers and the farmers’ direct sales of olive oil. Such prices, they say, undermine the opportunity for more structured operations, as taxes and production costs, such as energy and packaging, weigh heavily on bottlers.
Once analyzed, bottled and distributed through food retailers, commercially sold olive oil costs much more than the average consumer pays on the informal market.
This creates a situation where success is highly dependent on stable supplies over time, certified olive oil grades and credible tracking of the product origin.
About 9 million olive trees in Albania are believed to extend over 50,000 hectares. According to the Food4Health observatory of the nearby Puglia in Italy, 80 percent of growers in Albania take care of an average of 200 to 250 olive trees in an area rarely exceeding 2 hectares.
The number of productive trees has doubled in the last 10 years, reaching 8.2 million. Still, the average olive yield per tree remains relatively low, between 12 and 15 kilograms per tree.
The market conditions and lack of a public registry for tracking national olive oil production are being addressed by the government.
While speaking at the public state news agency Albanian Telegraphic, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that a new olive registry is in the works. Registration will start in Berat province, which grows more than 40 percent of the country’s olives.
State officials also confirmed new tax cuts for olive growers. It is expected that olive orchards and olive production will soon fall within the European Union-sponsored support program, Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development.
More articles on: 2022 olive harvest, Albania, prices
Feb. 13, 2024
Local Mils in France Are All the Rage
An ample harvest and high prices have led to a surge in activity and investments in community mills.
Mar. 13, 2024
High Prices Are Changing How Italians Feel About Olive Oil
Consumer surveys show Italians are buying less extra virgin olive oil, while other data confirm lower supermarket sales.
Oct. 12, 2023
Another Poor Harvest in Andalusia Predicted
Low output in the world’s largest olive oil-producing region will continue to push prices higher.
Jul. 31, 2023
Concerns Mount Over Olive Oil Shortage in Spain
With olive oil stocks expected to run out by the start of the coming harvest and predictions of another low yield, experts anticipate prices to continue rising.
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.
Jan. 25, 2024
Record Olive Oil Prices Drive Down Consumption in Spain
Consumers are using less olive oil, buying smaller formats and switching to lower-quality categories.
Dec. 21, 2023
Climate Extremes, Economic Pressures Dampen 2023 Harvest, Survey Finds
Olive oil producers gave the 2023 harvest a dismal rating in terms of yields and quality.
Apr. 22, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Rising Faster than Inflation in Italy
Olive oil prices at origin in Italy are 46 percent higher than last year, driving up the costs of other popular foods.