An estimate by the California Olive Oil Council reveals strong growth in the state's production and market share.
If California were a country, it would rank between Albania and Lebanon in terms of annual olive oil production, which is estimated to be 13,300 tons this year, according to figures released today by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC).
See Also:Complete Coverage of the 2016 Olive Harvest
While olive oil production is also found in other states including Texas, Florida, Georgia and Arizona, the bulk of American olive oil is from California, and today’s figure is in line with a November 2015 forecast by the International Olive Council that projected 14 million tons of U.S. output for the 2015/16 season.
The state’s suppliers now account for 5.8 percent of the olive oil consumed in the U.S., the COOC said in a statement; a dramatic increase from its 2 percent market share just a few years ago.
At the same time, olive oil giants including Spain, Italy and Greece are experiencing drops in production this season due to a confluence of climatic factors, fruit fly infestations and cyclical downturns. Italy, in particular, is expected to see half the output of last year.
While the figures reveal a growing industry poised to capture an ever-growing piece of the world’s second-largest olive oil market, it hasn’t been easy for producers in the state. A pathogen akin to “bulls eye rot” began spreading among olive cultivars commonly used for oil production over the summer and aggressive competition has driven fruit prices higher.
But amid the growing American appetite for high-quality olive oil the outlook for California producers is bright, said the COOC, which was recently awarded a third grant of $357,000 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
The COOC’s executive director, Patricia Darragh, said, “The award will strengthen California agriculture overall by building partnerships that will advance the immense importance of both the olive oil segment and the overall agricultural community.”
More articles on: 2016 olive harvest, California olive oil, California Olive Oil Council
Jun. 12, 2024
Deoleo North America CEO Says Sustainability is Key to Growing Olive Oil Sector
Thierry Moyroud views Deoleo as guardians of the industry, prioritizing quality production and sustainable practices above all else.
Nov. 4, 2024
Starbucks Abandons Olive Oil-Infused Coffee Line Oleato in North America
The decision comes as the company reported a third consecutive quarter of declining sales and seeks to streamline its menu.
Sep. 16, 2024
University of California Releases Manual on Growing Olives for Oil Production
The Olive Production Manual for Oil covers olive farming, from positioning orchards to milling, with chapters written by experts in each field.
Oct. 18, 2024
Trump’s Tariff Proposals Would Sting U.S. Olive Oil Consumers
Whether there is a ten- or 60-percent tariff on all imported goods, most observers believe olive oil will become more expensive, and consumers will pay the difference.
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.
Jun. 10, 2024
Kern County Producer Reflects on The California Olive Oil Industry
Stefanie Wickensheimer explains how Rio Bravo Ranch crafts high-quality extra virgin olive oil in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Feb. 22, 2024
Oleotourism on The Rise in Central California
Riding the wave of the state's post-Covid recovery, olive farms and mills are increasingly popular destinations on California’s Central Coast.
Mar. 6, 2024
US Surpasses Spain as Second-Largest Olive Oil Consumer
Experts predict the U.S. will overtake Italy to become the world’s largest consumer of olive oil.