China is making massive efforts to develop its national olive industry

As Li Peiyu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences notes, the sapling selection system is not ideal, and planting management technologies urgently require modernization and standardization. However, achievements include 11 new Chinese olive varieties adapted to local conditions. China remains heavily dependent on imports, which account for 78% of its olive oil consumption. Liu Shenli, president of the China Agricultural Business Leaders Association, points out that only 30% of domestic edible oil consumption is met by domestic production, but this share is planned to increase significantly in the next five-year period. The market demonstrates enormous potential. Expert Ender Gündüz estimates that there are 250 million potential olive oil consumers in China, primarily in urban areas. Statistics for 2024 show total edible oil consumption at 40 million tons, or approximately 29 kg per capita. “If every Chinese person consumed 0.5 kg of olive oil per year, that would be a huge figure,” ...