Virgin olive oil and fractions market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for virgin olive oil in Lebanon expanded from 17 058 t to 18 729 t, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture's cooperation with the International Olive Council to enhance marketing, upgraded quality control laboratories, and an extensive network of around 450 olive mills that improved processing capacity. This growth was reinforced by expanding olive cultivation areas in regions like Sidon and Tyre.

A severe contraction followed in 2020, when market volume plummeted to 11 254 t as adverse climatic conditions and local crises slashed annual production. Recovery began in 2021, reaching 14 589 t, aided by the drought-resistance of Lebanese olive varieties and rising demand from regional markets. By 2022, the market had climbed to 17 746 t, driven by unprecedented export interest from Middle Eastern and European buyers, even though the harvest season faced challenges. In 2023, the market stabilized at 17 305 t while Lebanese brands gained global recognition—one won a top ten spot in the EVOOLEUM Awards—amid ongoing climate-related pressure and worldwide supply shortages.

In 2024, olive oil exports surged by 47% in November compared to the same month in 2023, reflecting sustained international demand fueled by health awareness and promotion of the Mediterranean diet. The Ministry of Agriculture rolled out the 'Zait Lebanon 3' project to fortify quality chains, and artificial intelligence began to be employed more widely to combat fraud and ensure oil authenticity.

Production virgin olive oil and fractions in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Lebanon ranked as the 15th largest producer of virgin olive oil and fractions between 2017 and 2020.

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

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

In 2020, Lebanon produced 14 300 tonnes of virgin olive oil and fractions, marking a sharp contraction of 34.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 36.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 9.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Lebanon's production of virgin olive oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 55.6 million US dollars, down by 36.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 54.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.0%.

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

Exports virgin olive oil and fractions from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Lebanon's exports of virgin olive oil and fractions in volume declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 047 tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 27.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 053 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 18.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were the key partners for Lebanon's exports in kind of virgin olive oil and fractions. The United States accounted for 32.1% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 9.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 8.2%, together making up 50.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lebanon's exports of virgin olive oil and fractions in value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 11 839 thousand US dollars, representing a gradual loss of 3.6% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 15 604 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 21.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 20.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary buyers of virgin olive oil and fractions from Lebanon in value terms. The United States accounted for 31.1% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 10.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 8.7%, jointly making up 50.4% of total exports.

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

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

Imports virgin olive oil and fractions to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 504-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports of virgin olive oil and fractions to Lebanon totaled 0.3 tonnes, marking a sharp decrease of 99.6% versus the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Syria played a dominant role in Lebanon's imports in kind of virgin olive oil and fractions, consistently accounting for 91.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Lebanon's imports of virgin olive oil and fractions in value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3 thousand US dollars, down by 99.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 99.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 84.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of virgin olive oil and fractions to Lebanon were highly concentrated on Syria, which accounted for 90.6% of total flows.

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

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