GITNUXREPORT 2025

Olive Oil Industry Statistics

Olive oil industry grows, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and global demand.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The global olive oil market size was valued at approximately USD 16.3 billion in 2022

Statistic 2

The global demand for olive oil is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 3

The global organic olive oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 4

The global market for flavored and infused olive oils is projected to grow at over 7% CAGR until 2030

Statistic 5

Olive oil fraud, including mislabeling and adulteration, affects roughly 10-15% of the global supply

Statistic 6

The majority of smallholder olive farmers earn less than USD 10,000 annually, highlighting income disparities

Statistic 7

The segment of organic olive oil accounts for about 20% of total global olive oil sales

Statistic 8

The global demand for premium and super-premium olive oils has increased by approximately 12% over the past five years

Statistic 9

The global demand for olive pomace oil is rising, particularly in markets where cost-sensitive consumers seek alternatives

Statistic 10

Consumer awareness of the health benefits of olive oil has increased by over 25% in North America over the past decade, according to surveys

Statistic 11

The halal and kosher certification mark on olive oil has seen steady growth, expanding access to Muslim and Jewish markets worldwide

Statistic 12

The average annual growth rate of new olive oil brands entering the market is around 11%, reflecting market diversification

Statistic 13

The price elasticity of demand for olive oil is estimated at -0.6 in developed markets, indicating that a 10% price increase could decrease demand by 6%

Statistic 14

The global market share of premium olive oils (above USD 20 per liter) is expected to double by 2030, driven by consumer willingness to pay for quality

Statistic 15

The global olive oil market is forecasted to reach USD 21.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023

Statistic 16

Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, accounting for around 45% of global production

Statistic 17

Italy is the second-largest producer, contributing about 15% of the world's olive oil

Statistic 18

The European Union accounts for roughly 80% of the world's olive oil consumption

Statistic 19

The average olive oil consumption per capita in Spain is approximately 1.7 liters per year

Statistic 20

Extra virgin olive oil accounts for about 70% of total olive oil sales globally

Statistic 21

Olive production in Greece reached approximately 300,000 tons annually

Statistic 22

The average price of a liter of extra virgin olive oil varies between USD 5 to USD 15 depending on quality and region

Statistic 23

Olive oil production is highly sensitive to weather conditions, with droughts reducing yield by up to 30%

Statistic 24

The olive oil industry supports over 1 million jobs worldwide, including cultivation, processing, and retail

Statistic 25

Approximately 80% of the world’s olive trees are located in the Mediterranean basin

Statistic 26

The top five olive oil producing countries are Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia, collectively accounting for over 90% of global production

Statistic 27

Olive oil's antioxidant properties are linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, supported by clinical studies

Statistic 28

Certification schemes like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) protect about 30% of premium olive oils

Statistic 29

Olive oil prices tend to spike during holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year due to increased demand

Statistic 30

In 2022, the global olive oil consumption was estimated at approximately 3 million metric tons

Statistic 31

Italy's olive oil consumption per capita is approximately 2 liters per person per year

Statistic 32

Olive oil's popularity as a cooking oil has led to a 20% increase in global consumption over the last five years

Statistic 33

The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, is associated with a 15% reduction in all-cause mortality, according to multiple health studies

Statistic 34

Studies suggest that a daily intake of 25 ml of extra virgin olive oil can significantly improve lipid profiles in adults

Statistic 35

Olive oil remains the most preferred cooking oil in Mediterranean countries, with over 90% household usage

Statistic 36

Olive oil packaging innovations include the use of UV-protective, opaque bottles to preserve quality

Statistic 37

The average shelf life of high-quality olive oil stored in proper conditions is around 18 to 24 months

Statistic 38

The incidence of olive oil fraud is higher in countries lacking strict quality controls, highlighting the importance of certifications

Statistic 39

Olive oil's shelf life can be extended by storing in dark, airtight containers at controlled temperatures, ensuring quality for up to 24 months

Statistic 40

The average age of olive growers in Mediterranean countries exceeds 60 years, raising concerns about industry sustainability

Statistic 41

Olive oil bottling and packaging are rapidly adopting eco-friendly practices, including biodegradable bottles

Statistic 42

The carbon footprint of olive oil production can range from 2 to 4 kg CO2 equivalents per liter, depending on farming methods

Statistic 43

The adoption of sustainable and organic certifications in the olive oil industry increased by 15% in 2022 alone, indicating industry shift towards eco-conscious practices

Statistic 44

Olive grove management practices, including integrated pest management, can reduce pesticide use by up to 50%, promoting more sustainable production

Statistic 45

The percentage of biodegradable olive oil packaging is projected to hit 35% by 2030, driven by increasing eco-regulations

Statistic 46

Price premiums for certified extra virgin olive oils can range from 15% to 40% over non-certified oils, depending on certification and market region

Statistic 47

The use of recycled and eco-friendly olive oil bottles is growing at a rate of 8% annually, driven by consumer demand for sustainability

Statistic 48

The olive oil industry is a major contributor to rural development in Mediterranean regions, supporting small farms and local economies

Statistic 49

The prominence of traceability systems in olive oil supply chains has increased by 20% in 2023, aiding in combating fraud and assuring quality

Statistic 50

The use of blockchain technology in olive oil supply chains is expanding to enhance transparency, with 12% of brands adopting the technology by 2023

Statistic 51

The utilization of sustainable water management in olive orchards has increased by 25% in the last five years, reducing water usage and runoff

Statistic 52

Major olive oil producing regions are investing in research to develop higher-yield and drought-resistant olive varieties, with funding increasing by 20% annually

Statistic 53

The USA is among the leading importers of olive oil, with a market value exceeding USD 2 billion annually

Statistic 54

Olive oil exports constitute about 60% of total olive oil production

Statistic 55

The main importing countries for olive oil are the US, EU member states, and Japan

Statistic 56

The export value of olive oils from Spain alone exceeds USD 2 billion annually

Statistic 57

The majority of olive oil consumed in North America is imported, since local production is limited

Statistic 58

Olive oil is increasingly used in non-traditional markets like Asia, with imports growing by over 15% annually

Statistic 59

Spain's olive oil exports are primarily directed to the European Union, accounting for about 85% of its exports

Statistic 60

The international olive council (IOC) monitors global olive oil standards and quality, certifying approximately 40% of the world's olive oil exports

Statistic 61

The import volume of olive oil in Japan has increased by over 10% annually, signaling growing Asian market interest

Statistic 62

Olive oil exports from Tunisia increased by 17% in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting regional growth

Statistic 63

In 2022, exports of virgin olive oil from Spain increased by 8% compared to the previous year, underscoring export growth

Slide 1 of 63

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The global olive oil market size was valued at approximately USD 16.3 billion in 2022
Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, accounting for around 45% of global production
Italy is the second-largest producer, contributing about 15% of the world's olive oil
The European Union accounts for roughly 80% of the world's olive oil consumption
The USA is among the leading importers of olive oil, with a market value exceeding USD 2 billion annually
The average olive oil consumption per capita in Spain is approximately 1.7 liters per year
Extra virgin olive oil accounts for about 70% of total olive oil sales globally
The global demand for olive oil is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2028
Olive production in Greece reached approximately 300,000 tons annually
The average price of a liter of extra virgin olive oil varies between USD 5 to USD 15 depending on quality and region
Olive oil exports constitute about 60% of total olive oil production
The main importing countries for olive oil are the US, EU member states, and Japan
The global organic olive oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030

Olive oil, the liquid gold of the Mediterranean, is experiencing a dynamic global market valued at over USD 16 billion, driven by rising health consciousness, innovative sustainable practices, and soaring demand in emerging markets worldwide.

Market Size and Revenue

The global olive oil market size was valued at approximately USD 16.3 billion in 2022
The global demand for olive oil is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2028
The global organic olive oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030
The global market for flavored and infused olive oils is projected to grow at over 7% CAGR until 2030
Olive oil fraud, including mislabeling and adulteration, affects roughly 10-15% of the global supply
The majority of smallholder olive farmers earn less than USD 10,000 annually, highlighting income disparities
The segment of organic olive oil accounts for about 20% of total global olive oil sales
The global demand for premium and super-premium olive oils has increased by approximately 12% over the past five years
The global demand for olive pomace oil is rising, particularly in markets where cost-sensitive consumers seek alternatives
Consumer awareness of the health benefits of olive oil has increased by over 25% in North America over the past decade, according to surveys
The halal and kosher certification mark on olive oil has seen steady growth, expanding access to Muslim and Jewish markets worldwide
The average annual growth rate of new olive oil brands entering the market is around 11%, reflecting market diversification
The price elasticity of demand for olive oil is estimated at -0.6 in developed markets, indicating that a 10% price increase could decrease demand by 6%
The global market share of premium olive oils (above USD 20 per liter) is expected to double by 2030, driven by consumer willingness to pay for quality
The global olive oil market is forecasted to reach USD 21.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

As the olive oil market blooms toward an anticipated USD 21.5 billion by 2028 at a sprightly 4.3% CAGR, its appetite for organic, infused, and premium varieties grows exponentially, even as fraud and income disparities cast shadows on its glossy exterior.

Production and Consumption Data

Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, accounting for around 45% of global production
Italy is the second-largest producer, contributing about 15% of the world's olive oil
The European Union accounts for roughly 80% of the world's olive oil consumption
The average olive oil consumption per capita in Spain is approximately 1.7 liters per year
Extra virgin olive oil accounts for about 70% of total olive oil sales globally
Olive production in Greece reached approximately 300,000 tons annually
The average price of a liter of extra virgin olive oil varies between USD 5 to USD 15 depending on quality and region
Olive oil production is highly sensitive to weather conditions, with droughts reducing yield by up to 30%
The olive oil industry supports over 1 million jobs worldwide, including cultivation, processing, and retail
Approximately 80% of the world’s olive trees are located in the Mediterranean basin
The top five olive oil producing countries are Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia, collectively accounting for over 90% of global production
Olive oil's antioxidant properties are linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, supported by clinical studies
Certification schemes like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) protect about 30% of premium olive oils
Olive oil prices tend to spike during holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year due to increased demand
In 2022, the global olive oil consumption was estimated at approximately 3 million metric tons
Italy's olive oil consumption per capita is approximately 2 liters per person per year
Olive oil's popularity as a cooking oil has led to a 20% increase in global consumption over the last five years
The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, is associated with a 15% reduction in all-cause mortality, according to multiple health studies
Studies suggest that a daily intake of 25 ml of extra virgin olive oil can significantly improve lipid profiles in adults
Olive oil remains the most preferred cooking oil in Mediterranean countries, with over 90% household usage

Production and Consumption Data Interpretation

With Spain wielding nearly half of the world's olive oil, the Mediterranean basin's greasy grip on global health and economy tightens, as climate volatility and demand-drive price spikes threaten to dilute this liquid gold's famed health benefits and cultural staple status.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Quality Management

Olive oil packaging innovations include the use of UV-protective, opaque bottles to preserve quality
The average shelf life of high-quality olive oil stored in proper conditions is around 18 to 24 months
The incidence of olive oil fraud is higher in countries lacking strict quality controls, highlighting the importance of certifications
Olive oil's shelf life can be extended by storing in dark, airtight containers at controlled temperatures, ensuring quality for up to 24 months

Storage, Shelf Life, and Quality Management Interpretation

While clever packaging and vigilant storage can preserve olive oil’s golden goodness for up to two years, the ongoing battle against fraud persists mainly where quality controls are lax—underscoring that in the world of extra virgin olive oil, transparency and trust are just as vital as the liquid itself.

Sustainability and Environmental Practices

The average age of olive growers in Mediterranean countries exceeds 60 years, raising concerns about industry sustainability
Olive oil bottling and packaging are rapidly adopting eco-friendly practices, including biodegradable bottles
The carbon footprint of olive oil production can range from 2 to 4 kg CO2 equivalents per liter, depending on farming methods
The adoption of sustainable and organic certifications in the olive oil industry increased by 15% in 2022 alone, indicating industry shift towards eco-conscious practices
Olive grove management practices, including integrated pest management, can reduce pesticide use by up to 50%, promoting more sustainable production
The percentage of biodegradable olive oil packaging is projected to hit 35% by 2030, driven by increasing eco-regulations
Price premiums for certified extra virgin olive oils can range from 15% to 40% over non-certified oils, depending on certification and market region
The use of recycled and eco-friendly olive oil bottles is growing at a rate of 8% annually, driven by consumer demand for sustainability
The olive oil industry is a major contributor to rural development in Mediterranean regions, supporting small farms and local economies
The prominence of traceability systems in olive oil supply chains has increased by 20% in 2023, aiding in combating fraud and assuring quality
The use of blockchain technology in olive oil supply chains is expanding to enhance transparency, with 12% of brands adopting the technology by 2023
The utilization of sustainable water management in olive orchards has increased by 25% in the last five years, reducing water usage and runoff
Major olive oil producing regions are investing in research to develop higher-yield and drought-resistant olive varieties, with funding increasing by 20% annually

Sustainability and Environmental Practices Interpretation

With the average age of Mediterranean olive growers soaring past 60, the industry faces a turning point where sustainability initiatives—from eco-friendly packaging and reduced pesticide use to blockchain traceability and water management—are not just eco-conscious choices but vital strategies to ensure the future of this ancient industry amid shifting consumer demands and climate challenges.

Trade and Export Statistics

The USA is among the leading importers of olive oil, with a market value exceeding USD 2 billion annually
Olive oil exports constitute about 60% of total olive oil production
The main importing countries for olive oil are the US, EU member states, and Japan
The export value of olive oils from Spain alone exceeds USD 2 billion annually
The majority of olive oil consumed in North America is imported, since local production is limited
Olive oil is increasingly used in non-traditional markets like Asia, with imports growing by over 15% annually
Spain's olive oil exports are primarily directed to the European Union, accounting for about 85% of its exports
The international olive council (IOC) monitors global olive oil standards and quality, certifying approximately 40% of the world's olive oil exports
The import volume of olive oil in Japan has increased by over 10% annually, signaling growing Asian market interest
Olive oil exports from Tunisia increased by 17% in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting regional growth
In 2022, exports of virgin olive oil from Spain increased by 8% compared to the previous year, underscoring export growth

Trade and Export Statistics Interpretation

With the US and EU dominating as key importers and Spain leading as a prolific exporter, the global olive oil market is flourishing—especially in emerging markets like Asia where a 15% annual growth signifies that olive oil's reputation as a healthful luxury is truly spreading beyond Mediterranean shores.