Producers are asking the government to repeal a law allowing the term ‘Kalamata’ to be used outside of Messenia. A new PDO designation could be the solution.

A woman presenting at a podium with flags of Spain and the European Union in the background. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Feb. 25, 2021

Extreme Weather Takes Toll on Andalusian Olive Harvest

Production is expected to be around 300,000 tons lower than previously estimated, according to the regional government.

Expansive olive grove with rows of olive trees in a mountainous region under clear skies. - Olive Oil Times

Feb. 24, 2021 News Briefs

Spanish Exports of Bottled Olive Oil to U.S. Drop 80 Percent

Individual using a long pole to harvest olives from an olive tree in an orchard. - Olive Oil Times

Feb. 24, 2021 Business

Hardships in Lebanon Shift Focus to Exports

A man wearing a checked shirt and beige pants standing in a modern indoor area with a bar-like setup. - Olive Oil Times

Feb. 18, 2021 Production

Project Helps Growers Prepare for Challenges Posed by Climate Change

Five individuals sitting at a table, raising glasses in a toast with a scenic view of water in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Feb. 17, 2021 Business

Bringing Olive Oil Tourism to Greece’s Most Popular Island

Feb. 17, 2021 Business

Supporters of Nutri-Score Organize to Promote Its Adoption

Close-up of olive tree leaves with a soft, blurred background of green tones. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Feb. 17, 2021

Italy Pledges Nearly €70M for Olive Oil and Table Olive Sector

The money will be used to improve quality, protect the environment and promote traceability in the sector until the Common Agricultural Policy takes effect in 2023.

Various bottles of olive oil displayed on a shelf in a grocery store. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Feb. 16, 2021

Olive Oil is Becoming One of Asia’s Most Popular Ingredients

Consumption and production are on the rise in Asia's two largest economies. Consumers still prefer imported brands to domestic ones.

A woman in a yellow jacket speaking at a conference with a microphone and a water bottle on the table. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Feb. 16, 2021

Spain Urges Talks on U.S. Tariffs

The move comes as the U.S. Trade Representative announced that it would not revise any of the tariffs currently in place on European imports.

Checkerboard scale and measuring tool placed on the ground in a dirt area. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Feb. 12, 2021

Remains of 2,500-Year-Old Mill Discovered in Italy

They believe it is the earliest olive oil mill found in Magna Graecia, a region that encompasses most of Italy's southern coastline, where ancient Greek colonists arrived 3,500 years ago.

Workers using poles to harvest olives from trees in an olive grove. - Olive Oil Times

Producer Profiles

Feb. 11, 2021

Catalan Producers Emphasize History and Sustainability in Tourism Initiative

The award-winning producers Mil & Un Verd are on a mission: preserve the historical structures and millennial olive trees of their estate while sustainably producing extra virgin olive oil from native varieties.

Individual walking on a street while carrying a grocery bag in one hand. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Feb. 10, 2021

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumption in Italy Rose in 2020, Production Slipped

Consumption edged upward in 2020, according to an industry group as production in the 2020/21 crop year turned out to be lower than initial estimates.

A man with short black hair wearing a black shirt, smiling at the camera against a neutral background. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Feb. 10, 2021

UC Davis Olive Center Appoints New Director

Javier Fernandez-Salvador will join the UC Davis Olive Center as its executive director in June.

A man and woman wearing masks while shopping in a grocery store aisle, examining products. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Feb. 8, 2021

Nutri-Score Label Not Required for Spanish Olive Oil, Minister Says

The minister added that he wants to revise olive oil’s current score upward. Meanwhile, opposition grows among Italian politicians and the European food authority is getting involved.

Olive trees arranged in a grove with a view of the blue sea in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Feb. 3, 2021

Bottlers Dispute Application for Crete PGI

With the proposed Protected Geographical Indication, producers on Crete seek control of the production chain while bottlers fear losing profits.

News Briefs

Feb. 3, 2021

Understanding Relationship Between Fungus and Climate May Curb Costly Olive Tree Pathogen, Researchers Say

Minor temperature changes with certain rainfall patterns provide the best environment for the fungus that causes Verticillium wilt to thrive.

Nutri-Score label displayed on food packaging in a supermarket aisle. - Olive Oil Times

Health

Feb. 2, 2021

Nutri-Score Remains the Front Runner for Europe's Food Label Program

Researchers who have been studying the French-born FOPL respond to the criticism that Nutri-Score is at odds with the Mediterranean diet.

A hilltop village with buildings and a church tower, surrounded by olive trees and rolling hills. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Feb. 1, 2021

Europe Seeks Public Input in Effort to Framework for Geographical Indications

The goal is to identify new tools to strengthen the certified food specialties indications system and fight food fraud.

Stack of cardboard boxes featuring a red 'Made in Tunisia' stamp on the side. - Olive Oil Times

Africa / Middle East

Jan. 20, 2021

Tunisian Exporters See Opportunities Abroad

Tunisian exporters aim to expand their presence in China and consolidate their growing presence in the American market. Europe remains by far the largest importer of Tunisian olive oil.

Olive trees covered in snow in a winter landscape with rows of trees in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Jan. 15, 2021

Producers Warn of 'Incalculable Damage' in Wake of Filomena

Asaja Madrid estimates that the region's olive harvest will fall by 35 percent as a result of the blizzard.

Pathway through an olive grove with yellow wildflowers and olive trees under a clear sky. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Jan. 15, 2021

Apulian Producers Call for More Government Support for Olive Oil Sector

Olive oil prices in Puglia continue to slide despite lower production in 2020. Coldiretti believes the government must do more.