Why is Spain the Global Powerhouse of Olive Oil?

Spain is a global benchmark and leader in olive oil production and marketing, with an olive grove area that continues to grow; in 2024, the United States increased its imports by almost 60%, although shipments may decline due to the tariff policy threatened by Donald Trump. Spain boasts around 25% of the world's olive grove surface, which increases year after year; around 93% of its extension is dedicated to oil production and the rest to table olive production. The surface of this woody crop occupied 2,830,330 hectares at the end of 2024, 179,529 hectares more than in 2017. Spain produces around 50% of the world's olive oils and has more than 200 olive varieties, such as Arberquina, Hojiblanca, Cornicabra, or Picual, which provide differentiated flavors and aromas to each batch. Spain's average production in the last 20 years is 1.214 million tons, with two campaigns heavily marked by drought (672,100 t in 2022/23 and 843,400 t in 2023/24). In the current 2024/25 campaign, which ...