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. 17, 2026
New Research Suggests Olives May Reveal Oil Quality Before Milling
A new study suggests that analyzing the metabolic profile of olives before extraction could help predict some of the chemical and sensory characteristics of the oil they will produce.
Feb. 19, 2026
Italy’s Olive Oil Market Heads Into 2026 with Thinner Margins and Renewed Volatility
After two years of record-high prices, Italy’s olive oil market is entering 2026 with renewed volatility, elevated costs and tighter margins for growers, while recovering Mediterranean output and import flows reshape price dynamics.
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. 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.
Oct. 15, 2025
Persistent Climate and Pest Pressures Undermine Greece’s Olive Oil Recovery
Greek olive oil production is expected to remain below 200,000 tons this crop year, with Crete experiencing a sharp decline due to drought and damage from the olive fruit fly.
Dec. 29, 2025
China’s Olive Oil Sector Alleviates Poverty but Struggles to Compete
China’s olive oil sector has expanded rapidly with strong government backing, but experts say heavy subsidies and state control have limited efficiency, profitability and global competitiveness.
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.
Dec. 29, 2025
High-Density Olive Groves Shown to Capture More Carbon Than Traditional Plantings
New research from Spain shows that high-density olive groves capture significantly more carbon dioxide per hectare than traditional plantings, highlighting olive farming’s potential role in climate mitigation.