Olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian olive oil market size, measured in value, declined from 3 992 млн $ in 2018 to 2 835 млн $ in 2019. This decrease coincided with the implementation of stricter EU labeling rules under Regulation (EC) No 1019/2002, which mandated more detailed origin and quality information for virgin olive oils, potentially increasing compliance costs and temporarily affecting market activity. The market recovered to 3 082 млн $ in 2020 as updated packaging requirements, including a 5 L limit for retail and mandatory storage method labeling, were introduced, likely enhancing consumer confidence and product standardization. In 2021, market value stabilized at 3 029 млн $, supported by the official recognition of tasting panels and provisional data highlighting harvest variability, which helped maintain quality assurance and market transparency.

From 2022 onward, import and export values showed consistent growth. The entry into force of EU Delegated Regulation 2022/2104 in 2022 established new labeling and origin indication rules for virgin olive oils, along with packaging seals to ensure authenticity, facilitating trade alignment. Imports rose from 2 338 млн $ in 2022 to 3 259 млн $ in 2024, while exports increased from 1 989 млн $ to 3 239 млн $ over the same period. This expansion was further supported by the dissemination of practical labeling guidelines in 2023 and Italy's national plan in 2024 to boost olive cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production, aiming to enhance the sector's competitiveness and meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands.

Production olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Italy, the production value of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives reached 3 179 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 16.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 737 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 3 819 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 28.3%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The market exhibited notable volatility during these years. Production volumes reached their peak in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with the highest volume being 3.2 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, Italy produced 1 622 thousand metric tons of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives, showing a sharp increase of 136.9% from 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 209 thousand metric tons. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 69.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 224.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives from Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 410.1 thousand metric tons, representing a significant uptick of 22.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's exports in kind of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 29.2% of exports in kind, Germany for 11.3%, and France for 7.8%, with these three countries together representing 48.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, exports of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives from Italy increased. In 2020, exports totaled 1 676 million US dollars, equivalent to an uptick of 8.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.7%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 1.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 540 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in that same year, with a drop of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and France remained the primary destinations for Italy's exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 31.1% of exports in value, Germany for 12.3%, and France for 7.0%, with these three countries together making up 50.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of foreign olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives into Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 655.7 thousand metric tons, marking a moderate increase of 6.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 23.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Spain and Greece were the key sources for Italy's imports in kind, jointly accounting for 84.3% of total import flows. Other partners contributed much less individually.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of olive oils and other oils obtained solely from olives into Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 579 million US dollars, representing a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 28.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Greece continued to dominate Italy's imports in value terms, together accounting for 84.2% of total import flows. Other partners played a supplementary role in the market.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020