Olives market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian olive market demonstrated consistent growth from 1 961 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 211 thousand tons in 2020. In 2021, market volume expanded further to 2 282 thousand tons, supported by double-digit increases in demand for stuffed or seasoned olives (+18.3%), fresh olives (+13%), and mixed olives (+10.4%). This growth was reinforced by product and packaging innovations, including the launch of liquid-free single-serve pouches for on-the-go consumption and sustainable packaging options, which helped attract and retain consumers.

After a contraction to 2 168 thousand tons in 2022, the market rebounded sharply in 2023, reaching a peak of 2 409 thousand tons. This recovery marked the highest volume recorded during the 2018–2023 period, highlighting the market's resilience and ongoing consumer interest.

Production olives in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy maintained its position as the world's third-largest producer of olives by volume.

Top producers of olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of olives, 2017-2020

Italy's olive production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2,207 thousand tonnes of olives, a slight increase of 0.6% from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 15%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,954 thousand tonnes, when output dropped sharply by 24.8%. This was followed by a significant rebound in 2019, with production rising by 12.3%.

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

Exports olives from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's cross-border shipments of olives declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 1,377 tonnes of olives, a steep drop of 28.2% compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 56.3%, with an average annual decline of 24.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the top destinations for Italy's olive exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 38.1% of exports, Germany for 17.8%, and France for 7.8%. Together, these three markets made up 63.7% of Italy's total olive exports during this period.

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, K $ US

Italy's olive export value also fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 4,983 thousand US dollars, a dramatic decrease of 30.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the total export value dropped by 45.3%, with an average annual decline of 18.2%.

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

In terms of value, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France were Italy's largest olive buyers from 2017 to 2020. The United Kingdom represented 35.3% of export value, Germany 18.1%, and France 9.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 63.2% of Italy's total olive export value over this period.

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

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

Imports olives to Italy

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy imported 5,029 tonnes of olives, a sharp decrease of 69.9% year-on-year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 16,727 tonnes, which represented a substantial increase of 79.9% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Spain dominated Italy's olive imports by volume, jointly accounting for 91.9% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among other, smaller markets.

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, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.8-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the value of Italy's olive imports was 8,679 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 73.5% compared to 2019. The maximum import value was recorded in 2019 at 32,758 thousand US dollars, which represented a significant increase of 95.7% from the previous year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Greece and Spain consistently accounted for 92.0% of Italy's total olive import value, indicating a high degree of market concentration. The remaining 8.0% was spread across a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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