Virgin olive oil and fractions market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

Algerian virgin olive oil production and market volume expanded significantly from 87.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 113.6 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was supported by a national policy to double olive orchard area to 900 000 hectares by 2024, which increased domestic cultivation capacity, alongside growing international recognition of the quality of Algerian oil that encouraged both production and local consumption.

The market then contracted to 70.6 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 88.2 thousand tons in 2022. The recovery coincided with Algerian olive oil brands, such as Dahbia, winning top international awards including first prize at the Dubai Olive Oil Competition, which enhanced the product's global reputation and stimulated demand.

In 2023, market volume dipped to 81.3 thousand tons, a year when severe drought affected Mediterranean olive-producing regions and reduced harvests in Algeria. Throughout the period, shifting consumer preferences toward extra virgin olive oil, particularly among younger Algerians, and ongoing government plans to plant millions of additional trees provided a stable foundation for the sector's development.

Production virgin olive oil and fractions in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Algeria ranked as the world's 8th largest producer of virgin olive oil and fractions.

Top producers of virgin olive oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of virgin olive oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Algeria's production of virgin olive oil and fractions grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 113.6 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 63.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 17.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of virgin olive oil and fractions production in Algeria fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 335.3 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 56%, averaging 16.0% per year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 349.6 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 62.7% that same year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 3.3%.

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

Exports virgin olive oil and fractions from Algeria

Exports in kind, t

Algeria's exports of virgin olive oil and fractions in volume terms expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 206.1 tonnes, a sharp rise of 184.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export volumes surged by 644.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 95.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Saudi Arabia, and Canada were the top destinations for Algeria's exports in volume terms. France accounted for 40.6% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 19.4%, and Canada for 19.0%, together making up 79.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for Algeria's virgin olive oil and fractions exports in value terms experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2020, export value reached 608 thousand US dollars, a 164.0% increase year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2020, while the lowest was in 2017, with a 7.1-fold difference between these years. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 11.5%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 203.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Canada, and Saudi Arabia dominated Algeria's export structure in value terms. France contributed 46.7% of export value, Canada 19.1%, and Saudi Arabia 16.6%, collectively representing 82.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports virgin olive oil and fractions to Algeria

Imports in kind, t

Algeria's imports of virgin olive oil and fractions in volume terms showed volatility over the observed period. In 2020, imports stood at 203.2 tonnes, an abrupt increase of 158.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 78.6 tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 59.4% that same year. Imports peaked in 2017, and the gap between the peak and trough was 2.6-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Syria, and Turkey were the primary sources for Algeria's imports in volume terms. France accounted for 37.6% of imports, Syria for 27.7%, and Turkey for 12.6%, together comprising 78.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Algeria's imports of virgin olive oil and fractions in value terms rebounded. In 2020, imports were valued at 668 thousand US dollars, a 60.5% improvement from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 39%, with a compound annual decline rate of 15.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 416 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual drop of 61.0% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Syria, and Italy were the main markets for Algeria's imports in value terms. France represented 42.6% of import value, Syria 30.2%, and Italy 11.8%, together accounting for 84.6% of total flows.

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

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