France

Jun. 1, 2023

Consumer Group in France Finds Olive Oils Contaminated with Hydrocarbons

Test results published by the National Consumer Institute, found that 23 of 24 olive oils had traces of plasticizer and hydrocarbon contamination.

May. 9, 2023

Focus on Quality Yields Success for Producers in France

Despite a sharp drop in production due to Europe’s prolonged drought, the number of French entries at the World Competition has progressively increased over the years.

Feb. 7, 2023

Climate Change Leads Some Bordeaux Wine Producers to Plant Olives

Farmers in the western French department of Gironde have met with national production officials to discuss the future of olive oil production in the non-traditional area.

Dec. 13, 2022

Chefs in France Bring Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Christmas Dinners

The quality of local oils and their health benefits have earned a place at the heart of French Christmas traditions.

Nov. 15, 2022

Award-Winning Producer on Corsica Stays Optimistic Despite Island's Challenges

The challenges of high-quality olive oil production are accentuated on an island, Emile Borel-Berta told us. Still, the NYIOOC award-winning producer is confident about the future.

Nov. 14, 2022

Tourist Train in Provence Partially Fueled by Olive-Pit Biofuel

The vintage steam train is experimenting with fuel made out of olive pits, which is more environmentally friendly and cheaper than coal.

Aug. 16, 2022

French Olive Sector Anticipates 50 Percent Harvest Loss

Scorching summer temperatures and the region's prolonged drought have resulted in a significantly lower fruit set in France and a significantly smaller harvest.

Jul. 5, 2022

French Producers Celebrate Superb Showing at NYIOOC

Producers from southern France and Corsica combined to earn 11 awards from 26 entries in the 2022 World Olive Oil Competition.

May. 31, 2022

A Family Tradition Takes Root at Moulin de la Coquille

The French producer earned a second consecutive Gold Award at the 2022 NYIOOC, attributing the success to new investments in organic production, irrigation and technology.

May. 25, 2022

Nutri-Score Does Not Penalize Traditional Food Specialties, Survey Finds

At least two-thirds of samples with protected statuses from the European Union received an "A" or "B" from Nutri-Score.

May. 25, 2022

French Farmers Feel Impacts of Worsening Drought

A lack of rainfall last autumn and winter combined with low soil moisture and water levels means water restrictions are already being implemented across southern France.

May. 3, 2022

French Draft Bill to Exclude PDO and PGI Products From Nutri-Score

Nutri-Score’s creators rebuked the effort, labeling the representatives’ criticisms as uninformed and unrealistic for any food labeling system.

Jan. 18, 2022

Health Professionals in France Endorse Widespread Adoption of Nutri-Score

Health providers in France have asked the federal government to lobby the European Commission in support of the widespread adoption of the controversial front-of-pack label system.

Sep. 19, 2019

Scientists Find Earliest Evidence of Olive Oil in Central Europe

Early Celts in the French region of Burgundy imported olive oil from the Mediterranean around 500 BCE, a new study shows. The find is the earliest evidence of olive oil use in Central Europe.

Sep. 10, 2019

The Give and Take of French Cultivars

Local olive varieties in France are known for their sensory qualities, if not for their yields.

Sep. 8, 2019

Xylella Spreads to Olive Trees in France

The two infected olive trees, which were kept for ornamental purposes, were detected in the towns of Antibes and Menton.

Sep. 5, 2019

Making 'Magic' at Domaine de La Vallongue

Near Saint Rémy-de-Provence, Domaine de La Vallongue grows five varieties typical in the Vallée des Baux to craft its award-winning blend.

Aug. 21, 2019

French Trade Group Rebranded

While the name of France’s national olive oil association is changing the mission remains largely the same; promote local varieties and keep groves productive enough to maintain small farmers.

May. 22, 2019

Millions of Birds Killed by Nighttime Harvesting in Mediterranean

Upwards of 2.5 million birds are killed each harvest season in Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

Apr. 3, 2019

Organic Olive Cultivation Increasing Worldwide

The organic land area used for olive cultivation across the world has almost tripled since 2004.

Apr. 2, 2019

Recovery of Traditional Olive Groves Stimulates French Oliviculture

French olive growers are working on recovering traditional olive groves as a means to strengthen the sector.

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