The latest figures from the International Olive Council predict a 7 percent drop in production and sharply lower imports by Brazil after years of growth.
According to new figures released by the International Olive Council (IOC), world olive oil production is expected to fall slightly for the new crop year to 2,918,000 tons, or 7 percent lower than the recently completed 2015/16 crop year.
Estimates put production from IOC member countries at 2,723,500 tons: 93 percent of the world total. This is an 8 percent decrease from the previous season.
Production in EU member countries will amount to 2,098,500 tons, with Spain being the biggest producer with 1,380,000 tons, only slightly less than in 2015/16 (-1 percent).
Italy’s projected output of 330,000 tons represents a more significant decrease of 30 percent. Figures are also expected to be down in Greece with 260,000 tons for a 19 percent decrease, while Portugal will show a 1 percent increase to 110,000 tons.
As for IOC member countries located outside Europe, production for the 2016/17 harvest season is estimated at 625,000 tons, 3 percent less than the previous year.
While Turkey is predicted to see a larger crop with 177,000 tons (+24 percent), production will be 29 percent lower in Tunisia with a harvest of 100,000 tons. Algeria will also see a decrease of 11 percent, while in Jordan production will be down 22 percent. Figures in other IOC member countries are expected to reveal constant levels or a slight decrease compared to the previous season.
The figures were supplied to the IOC by its members, and are based on estimates only, as it’s too early in the crop year to have a clear idea and the imminent harvest is subject to weather conditions. The IOC will release new data by the end of November which will provide a higher level of accuracy.
Figures released for imports of olive oil and olive pomace oil during the the first ten months of the 2015/16 season (October 2015 –July 2016), reveal increases of 10 percent in Australia, 11 percent in China, 2 percent in the United States and 1 percent in Canada, compared with the same period the previous year.
However, some countries have been importing less olive oil during the period, with the most significant decrease in Brazil: 31 percent less than last year. Japan also recorded a decrease of 9 percent, while Russia imported 1 percent less than the previous year. Within the EU, intra-EU acquisitions have gone down by 8 percent while extra-EU imports decreased by 51 percent.
Another noted trend is increasing producer prices for extra virgin olive oil in Spain and Italy. Prices have risen recently in Spain to €3.18 per kilogram at the end of September, while in Italy, prices reached €3.92 per kilogram.
More articles on: 2016 olive harvest, Brazil, International Olive Council (IOC)
Feb. 8, 2022
Officials Hope Winning Results Spur Olive Production in Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced faster growth in olive tree cultivation than any other European country since 1977. Quality has also improved.
May. 23, 2022
Global Olive Oil Production Expected to Slip to 2.9M Tons
The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects olive oil consumption, exports, imports and ensign stocks to decrease as well.
Jul. 19, 2021
Olive Oil Consumption Holds Steady as Production Slips, Latest Data Shows
International Olive Council figures revealed a dip in global production, imports and exports, while consumption held.
May. 4, 2022
Olive Oil Market Stable in E.U. Short-Term Outlook
Despite the war in Ukraine, olive oil prices are expected to remain steady. E.U.production and consumption will rise. Exports will fall.
Jul. 9, 2021
Meet One of Spain’s Hobby Olive Growers
Representing less than one percent of all Spanish olive groves, non-commercial growers face a unique set of joys and challenges associated with oil production.
Mar. 31, 2022
Farmers in New Zealand Optimistic Ahead of Harvest
New techniques, better pruning and benevolent weather are fueling big expectations for the upcoming olive harvest.
Sep. 17, 2021
Rehabilitating Olive Trees in Aragón to Stem Spain’s Rural Exodus
Apadrina un Oliva has put the area’s abandoned olive trees up for adoption. The result has handed a lifeline to the town and its residents.
Mar. 23, 2022
How the Climate Makes and Breaks One Award-Winning Producer’s Harvest
The family behind Turinela Farm believes the climate in Istria is perfect for producing award-winning olive oil. However, extreme weather is their biggest obstacle.