A Japan-Tunisia collaboration will continue until 2021 with a focus on the development of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Japan will continue to invest in the Tunisian olive oil sector until 2021 following the first stage of studies undertaken by a team of Japanese and Tunisian researchers.
The studies were realized through a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research conducted by three Japanese research institutions (University of Tsukuba, Kyoto University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology) in collaboration with Tunisian researchers at the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax.
The SATREPS program is a collaborative effort between three Japanese government agencies: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
One of the studies revealed that all varieties of Tunisian olive oil, especially an olive variety from the north, are rich in polyphenols and contain often 10 times more than Italian and Spanish olive oils. Polyphenols are micronutrients rich in natural antioxidants which have numerous health benefits and can help prevent disease and illnesses.
The Tunisian project is slated to continue until 2021 under the title “Valorization of Bio-resources based on Scientific Evidence in Semi- and Arid Land for Creation of New Industry” with a total budget of 7.83 million Tunisian dinars ($3.21 million) granted by JICA.
By applying the results of the studies concluded during the first stage of the project first launched in 2009, the next stage will focus on the development of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, the development of a production-to-export chain, and the promotion of exports of high value-added agricultural products which includes the launch of a Tunisian olive oil label in Japan.
Tunisia has a long tradition of olive oil production but the vast majority of its oil is exported in bulk, with Italy, Spain, United States, and France being its largest importers. The government aims to significantly increase exports of refined olive oil over the next five years, but production and export figures have been in decline for the first part of 2017.
More articles on: import/export, Japan, Tunisia
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.
Jun. 27, 2023
Domestic Olive Oil Sales in Spain Remain Strong as Exports Fall
While demand for olive oil remains strong despite high prices, some in the sector worry there will not be enough stock if there is another poor harvest.
Sep. 20, 2023
Award-Winning Importer Recounts America's Evolving Olive Oil Culture
MillPress Imports co-founder Tim Balshi says quality is key in the competitive U.S. olive oil import market.
Jun. 22, 2023
Despite Production Woes, Spain Anticipates Expanding Organic Exports to China
Rising demand for organic olive oil and other consumer products in China provides an opportunity for Spain’s organic olive oil producers.
Sep. 7, 2023
Spanish Officials Raise Alarm Over Rising Olive Oil Prices While Calling for Calm
Olive oil prices have exceeded €10 per liter at retail and are expected to continue rising. Rain in Andalusia would provide a glimmer of hope for the approaching harvest.
Jul. 5, 2023
Albanian Olive Oil Exports Quadruple in First Quarter of 2023, Officials Say
The combination of Albania’s bumper harvest and poor harvests in Europe means there is more demand than ever from the European Union for Albanian olive oil.
Jan. 9, 2024
Tour in Tunisia Explores Olive Oil Culture and Cuisine
The Sfax Oleo Tour takes visitors on an eclectic trip through the olive oil-soaked region, visiting groves and sampling the many local delicacies.
Sep. 14, 2023
Syria Restricts Olive Oil Exports as Harvest Outlook Worsens
Olive oil production in Syria is expected to fall by 50 percent in the 2023/24 crop year. Authorities have banned exports to prevent price rises.