Olives market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Iran's fresh olive production grew from 85.9 thousand tons to 101.3 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by favorable growing conditions and enhanced pest control, which boosted olive cultivation, as well as rising exports of processed olives to neighboring countries. In 2019, production remained stable, sustained by increased domestic output of cultivated olives using local ingredients. The following year, production held steady after the mandatory implementation of a national standard for olive oil, which raised quality requirements for raw olives.

Production dropped sharply to 78.2 thousand tons in 2021, coinciding with changes in harvesting timing aimed at improving olive oil quality, which likely reduced volume yields. A strong recovery followed in 2022, with output surging to 114.6 thousand tons. This rebound was driven by the growing market for cultivated olives, where greater product diversity and packaging, along with a consumer shift toward fresh, high-quality items, stimulated demand for raw olives.

In 2023, production eased slightly to 112.6 thousand tons, indicating market stabilization after the previous year's rapid growth.

Production olives in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran ranked 20th globally in olive production.

Top producers of olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of olives, 2017-2020

In 2020, Iran produced 101.2 K t of olives, showing relative stability compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 26.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 9.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 85.9 K t. That same year saw the sharpest decline of 37.7%, while 2019 experienced the largest increase at 18.0%.

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

Exports olives from Iran

Exports in kind, kg

The export market for olives exhibited significant volatility during these years. The volume varied dramatically, with a 140-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018. In 2020, Iran exported 35 256 kg of olives, marking a sharp increase of 43.1% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at just 251 kg. That year also saw the steepest decline of 96.3%, while 2019 registered the largest increase at 9 716.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iran in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq remained the primary destination for Iran's olive exports, accounting for 76.5% of total export volume. The remaining exports were distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Export values showed irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. The peak occurred in 2020, while the lowest point was in 2018, with a 30-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Iran exported 38 191 US dollars worth of olives, representing a 14.8% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 266 US dollars. That year also experienced the largest decline of 81.5%, whereas 2019 saw the most substantial increase at 2 527.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Iraq dominated as the main buyer of Iranian olives in value terms, representing 76.7% of total export earnings. Other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports olives to Iran

Based on compiled industry data, Iran did not import any olives from 2017 to 2020.