Preserved olives market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the South American preserved olives market volume saw notable shifts, beginning at 287 thousand tons. Drought and unfavorable weather conditions severely impacted olive production in Peru, halving output by 2019 and tightening supply. The COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted international supply chains, yet demand for healthy foods like olives remained robust, especially in Brazil, where consumption continued to grow, supporting regional market volume.

Between 2021 and 2023, recurring climate phenomena—first La Niña and later El Niño—further reduced olive production and exports from Peru, while government policies in Argentina discouraged sector investment. These constraints limited overall supply, yet the South American market volume still gradually expanded, reaching 287 thousand tons in 2023, sustained by steady import demand from Brazil. Global droughts in Europe also affected worldwide olive availability, contributing to price volatility across the region.

In 2024, Brazil remains a key import market for preserved olives, with a growing consumer preference for glass‑packed products. Advances in agricultural technology and sustainable practices are helping to improve production efficiency, while shifts toward natural, health‑oriented foods continue to underpin demand. However, global weather patterns persist as a significant factor influencing output and prices in South America.

Production preserved olives in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of preserved olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of preserved olives, 2017-2020

South America's production of preserved olives declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 235.5 thousand tons, marking a moderate decrease of 7.4% compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually grew by 45.3%, which translates to an average annual increase of 13.3%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2018 at 259.2 thousand tons, with that year also seeing the largest annual jump of 60.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, South America's preserved olives production saw a decline in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 989 million US dollars, representing a drop of 16.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value increased by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 189 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 35.4%.

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

Exports preserved olives from South America

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, South America's exports of preserved olives in volume terms declined. In 2020, export volume stood at 79.9 thousand tons, which is 18.1% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 64.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.0%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 97.6 thousand tons, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 50.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South America exported preserved olives to numerous countries, with even the top destinations—the United States, Spain, and Germany—accounting for just 26.1% of total export volume combined.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, South America's preserved olives exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 194.8 million US dollars, down 6.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 7.2%, with an average annual rate of 2.3%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 207.3 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred that same year at 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Spain, and Germany were the largest buyers of preserved olives from South America in value terms, contributing 27.4%, 5.2%, and 5.0% of exports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 37.6% of total export value, indicating a diversified market structure.

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

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

Imports preserved olives to South America

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, South America's imports of preserved olives in volume terms increased. In 2020, import volume reached 113.9 thousand tons, showing a substantial rise of 18.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 5.5%, with an average annual rate of 1.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 96.4 thousand tons, and the largest annual decrease occurred in 2018 at 6.2%.

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

The import structure for preserved olives in South America from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Egypt, Spain, and the Netherlands were the top sources, accounting for 17.6%, 9.5%, and 4.3% of import volume, respectively. Together, they made up only 31.4% of total imports, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

South America's imports of preserved olives in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 189.0 million US dollars, up 5.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9.8%, with an average annual increase of 3.2%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that imports of preserved olives to South America in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Spain, Egypt, and the Netherlands were the leading sources, contributing 14.0%, 12.3%, and 5.2% of import value, respectively. Combined, they accounted for just 31.5% of total imports.

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

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