1. Weekly News

Argentina

San Juan Olive Oil Gains Geographic Indication in Argentina to Boost Global Recognition

Argentina has awarded Geographic Indication (GI) status to extra virgin olive oil from San Juan province. This highlights the unique characteristics derived from its local climate, soil, and traditional methods, especially within the Tulum Valley, the region’s olive oil epicenter. The GI requires the oil to contain 50% to 70% Arbequina olives, with permitted blends of Changlot, Arauco, and Picual varieties, and mandates a maximum free acidity of 0.4%, ensuring premium quality. Known for its balanced bitterness, spiciness, and distinct aromas of green leaves, tomato, and artichoke, San Juan olive oil now benefits from an official identity supported by strict technical protocols and traceability systems. As Argentina’s second-largest olive-growing province, with 18 thousand hectares (ha) and responsible for 51% of the nation’s olive oil exports in 2023, San Juan has gained significant recognition. This recognition reinforces its international reputation and strengthens its market position by linking cultural heritage with global competitiveness.

Peru

Peru Promotes Olive Oil Quality Standards to Boost Global Competitiveness

Peru’s National Institute of Quality (INACAL) organized a public event in Tacna to elevate its international olive oil profile. The event aimed to promote new technical standards designed to align Peruvian olive oil with global market requirements. Tacna, home to 86% of the country's 45 thousand ha of olive groves, is central to this effort. It showcased the proposed PNTP 209.013:2025 standard, which outlines technical and quality criteria for production and marketing. Developed with the ProOlivo Association, the standard emphasizes analytical methods, compositional benchmarks, and best practices to enhance product quality and ensure compliance with international trade expectations. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Peru’s export capacity to markets such as Spain, the United States (US), and Chile while supporting the long-term sustainability of the olive oil sector.

Spain

Spain’s Olive Oil Sector Reports Higher Production and Strong Export Activity in 2024/25

Spain’s olive oil industry reported a solid performance for the 2024/25 campaign. Production in Apr-25 reached 3.2 thousand metric tons (mt), and cumulative output exceeded 1.4 million metric tons (mmt), slightly above forecasted volumes. The average yield in April was 23.29%, lifting the campaign average to 18.12%, an improvement over last season. Export activity was strong, with April shipments totaling 134 thousand mt, more than 25 thousand mt higher than the same month in the previous year, bringing total exports to 861 thousand mt. Imports for April were estimated at 16 thousand mt, pending customs confirmation, while local consumption for the month reached 46.6 thousand mt, contributing to a season total of 325.5 thousand mt. By the end of Apr-25, olive oil stocks stood at 882.4 thousand mt, primarily stored in mills, with cooperative mills accounting for 63.47% of total production, up 4.62% points year-on-year (YoY), reflecting a productive and export-oriented season.

Olive Oil Prices in Spain Remain Lowest in Europe Despite Positive Production Outlook

Despite a favorable production outlook, Spain continues to report the lowest extra virgin olive oil prices among leading European Union (EU) producers, averaging USD 452.37 per 100 kilograms (EUR 392.1/100kg) in late May-25, down 49% YoY, compared to USD 1102.13 (EUR 955.3/100kg) in Italy and USD 467.59/100kg (EUR 405.3/100kg) in Greece. Virgin olive oil prices followed a similar pattern, with Spain offering USD 384.07/100kg (EUR 332.9/100kg), reflecting a 52% YoY decline, while Italy and Greece reported USD 786.82 (EUR 682/100kg) and USD 400.91/100kg (EUR 347.5/100kg), respectively. For lampante olive oil, Spain had the highest average price at USD 343.92/100kg (EUR 298.1/100kg), though this still marked a 54% annual decrease, with Italy and Greece trailing at USD 288.43/100kg (EUR 250/100kg) and USD 296.15/100kg (EUR 256.7/100kg). Improved rainfall has bolstered olive tree health and supported a strong production outlook, although some late-fruiting areas have experienced minor setbacks due to recent heatwaves. Local prices for extra virgin olive oil now range between USD 4.04 and 4.61/kg (EUR 3.5 and 4/kg), varying by region, keeping Spain competitive in both local and export markets.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Olive Oil Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Olive Oil Pricing Important Exporters (W23 2024 to W23 2025) 

Spain

Olive oil prices in Spain rose by 2.49% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 4.12/kg in W23, with a modest 0.49% month-on-month (MoM) increase driven by short‑term supply tightness as processors and bottlers drew down recently expanded inventories amid steady export demand and slight logistical delays following seasonal production peaks. However, prices remained sharply lower YoY, down 52.97% due to a bumper 2024/25 harvest: favorable spring rains and ideal weather boosted production by 30 to 50% than last year, creating a significant surplus that has kept Spain’s wholesale prices well below the heightened levels seen during the drought‑impacted 2023 season.

Italy

In W23, Italy’s olive oil prices edged up by 0.56% WoW to USD 10.82/kg, alongside a 2.66% MoM increase and a 4.95% YoY gain. This modest rise reflects continued structural supply constraints: 2024/25 production remains well below par, hampered by persistent drought, extreme heat, and erratic rainfall, particularly in southern regions like Puglia and Sicily, which have reduced yields by around 20% to 50% in some areas. Boosting costs further are inflation-driven increases in labor, fertilizers, energy, and pest control (especially against olive fruit flies and Xylella fastidiosa), forcing farmers to accept higher prices. Meanwhile, with sustained international demand, Italy exported over USD 3.4 billion in olive oil during 2024 on the back of rising global interest and has kept upward pressure on wholesale prices despite production challenges.

Tunisia

Tunisia’s olive oil prices inched up by 0.45% WoW to USD 4.44/kg in W23, with a stronger 3.02% MoM rise driven by sustained export demand amid a record-breaking 2024/25 harvest, estimated at around 340 thousand mt, a 55% YoY increase, and rising costs for labor, transport, and packaging that tightened short-term available supply. However, prices remained sharply lower YoY by 47.33% as this abundant output created a surplus in global markets, pushing bulk-origin prices down nearly half compared to the drought-hit 2023 season, even as Tunisia gained export volume through diversification strategies.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Differentiate Through Quality Segmentation and Origin Branding

Olive oil producers should segment products by quality and origin to command better prices and reduce exposure to commodity-level pricing. For example, Spanish and Greek producers can label premium batches based on early harvest, low acidity, or single-estate origin. Italian producers already leverage DOP and IGP labels effectively; this model should be scaled across regions. Producers can promote tasting notes, sustainable farming methods, or local cultivar stories to attract niche buyers and boutique retailers. These steps help build brand value and shift away from price-driven bulk markets.

Adopt Geographical Indication to Strengthen Market Position

Olive oil producers should pursue GI recognition to enhance brand identity, ensure product traceability, and capture premium markets. Producers in regions with distinct climate and cultivar profiles, such as Crete, Alentejo, or Mardin, can formalize their uniqueness through GI certification. By setting specific varietal requirements and quality standards (e.g., low acidity) and enforcing traceability protocols, producers can position their oil as premium and culturally rooted. This approach not only protects authenticity but also helps penetrate higher-value markets that prioritize origin, quality, and tradition.

Sources: Tridge, Agraria, Financial Food, Larazon, Olive Oil Times