Olives market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

European olive production began the period at 15.5 million metric tons in 2018, supported by regional government investment in olive growing areas and EU trade policy that shielded producers from external tariffs. Output then contracted to 12.5 million metric tons in 2019 before recovering to 14.3 million metric tons in 2020 and reaching 15.1 million metric tons in 2021.

A severe drought and heatwave in Spain, the continent's largest producer, drove production down sharply to 10.3 million metric tons in 2022. The market continued to operate under EU quality and labeling regulations, while consumer demand for healthy, natural olive products persisted. Production saw a partial rebound to 11.4 million metric tons in 2023.

By 2024, data indicated growing table olive imports and sustained consumer interest in premium, traceable olive products, though supply constraints from climatic factors maintained upward pressure on prices.

Production olives in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of olives, 2017-2020

In 2019, European olive production reached its lowest point at 12 509 thousand tonnes. The following year, in 2020, production rebounded to 14 341 thousand tonnes, marking a 14.6% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 466 thousand tonnes, representing an 18.7% increase from the previous year. Conversely, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 19.1%.

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

Exports olives from Europe

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2018, olive exports from Europe hit their lowest point at 8 961 tonnes. The following year, in 2019, exports surged to a peak of 26 390 tonnes, marking a substantial 194.5% increase. By 2020, exports decreased to 19 155 tonnes, down 27.4% from 2019. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018 was 2.9-fold. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 58.7%.

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

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, the value of olive exports from Europe reached its lowest point at 58 562 thousand US dollars. The following year, in 2020, exports increased to 62 832 thousand US dollars, representing a 7.3% gain compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 78 722 thousand US dollars, which was a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Conversely, 2019 saw the largest decline, with a drop of 25.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Norway, Switzerland, and the United States—collectively accounted for 2.2% of the total value of olive exports from Europe.

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

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

Imports olives to Europe

Imports in kind, t

In 2018, olive imports into Europe were at their lowest, totaling 19 673 tonnes. The following year, in 2019, imports peaked at 33 386 tonnes, showing a significant 69.7% increase. By 2020, imports decreased to 20 622 tonnes, down 38.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%.

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

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, olive imports into Europe declined in 2020. That year, imports amounted to 65 253 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp year-on-year decrease of 16.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 78 428 thousand US dollars, which marked a 24.6% increase from the previous year.

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

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

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