Olives market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for fresh or chilled olives in France experienced fluctuations, starting at 27 508 tons in 2018, dropping to 25 030 tons in 2019, then recovering to 29 611 tons in 2020. During this period, the table olive market was characterized by artisanal production that fell short of demand, particularly for AOP varieties. The significantly higher profitability of table olives compared to olive oil encouraged growers to focus on this segment, while the number of olive processors (confiseurs) began a sustained increase, rising by 106.3% between 2018 and 2024, laying the groundwork for future market expansion.

Market volume stabilized at around 29 500 tons in 2021. However, it fell sharply to 23 656 tons in 2022. This decline was directly linked to repeated droughts in Southern Europe, which damaged olive harvests and caused a spike in olive oil prices. The reduced olive availability constrained both domestic production and imports, leading to the overall contraction in market size.

A strong rebound followed in 2023, with market volume jumping to 31 375 tons. This recovery was supported by the ongoing development of the French table olive market, where the number of processors continued to grow and premium, ready-to-eat product segments expanded. Furthermore, the emergence of strong players like the cooperative L’Oulibo, which reported a turnover of €6.48 million in 2024, added dynamism to the sector. Increased imports of table olives into the European Union also contributed to meeting the rising demand.

Production olives in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked 25th globally in olive production.

Top producers of olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of olives, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 27 690 tonnes of olives, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 17.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 51%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 42.0%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports olives from France

Exports in kind, t

Olive exports from France have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, France exported 100 tonnes of olives, up 53.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 137%, with a CAGR of 33.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's olive exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Belgium accounted for 22.7% of exports in kind, Switzerland for 11.8%, and the United States for 7.3%, together representing 41.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. France exported 1 007 thousand US dollars of olives in 2020, an abrupt rise of 286.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 141 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 36.1%. Import levels varied 7.2-fold between the low of 2018 and the high of 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States were the leading destinations in France's export structure in value terms. Belgium accounted for 47.6% of exports in value, Switzerland for 9.1%, and the United States for 6.0%, together making up 62.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports olives to France

Imports in kind, t

Imported olive volumes in France have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 021 tonnes, a sharp gain of 28.3% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 32.3%, with a CAGR of 12.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 527 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 48.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind was characterised by a strong dominance of Spain, which held a 75.1% share of total flows, while other partners had relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, France's olive imports in value terms increased. In 2020, France imported approximately 5 377 thousand US dollars of olives, a steep increase of 40.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 2.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 822 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2018 at 24.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Greece, and Belgium stood out as the main markets for France's imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 64.7% of imports in value, Greece for 8.4%, and Belgium for 7.9%, together representing 80.9% of total flows.

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

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