We don’t usually write about olive trees and olive oil. But they are frequently seen close to vineyards, and they, like the vine, have a good resistance to heat and drought. So, when we came across a newly released report on the state of the olive tree in the world, we cannot help but share some facts.
Key figures for olive cultivation in the world:
- Producer countries: 41
- Location of olive cultivation: 98% in the Mediterranean area (48% in the EU)
- Total area in the world: 10.4 million hectares
- Olive world production in 2021: 3.4 million tons
- Largest olive country: Spain, with 2.6 million hectares, of which 93% of olives are intended for olive oil production, 3% for eating and 4% for both.
- In second place: Tunisia, with 1.28 million hectares (the country’s largest agricultural product)
- Irrigation: Only about 20% of the world’s olive trees are irrigated
- Number of olive presses: 12,000 worldwide
Olive oil represents only 2% of the world’s consumption of vegetable oils. The EU accounts for 50%. America and Asia are increasing their consumption and now account for 19% and 17%, respectively.
Read more (pdf): franceagrimer
