Tunisia has maintained its position as the world’s leading exporter of olive oil outside the European Union, according to the latest official statistics released by the Ministry of Trade.
The country is also preparing for a promising season, with an expected production of one million tons of olives and a total of 200,000 tons of olive oil, an impressive 11% increase on the previous season.
These are encouraging forecasts, with the North, Sahel, Centre-West and South of the country contributing 23%, 17%, 35% and 25% respectively to total production.
Production estimated at between 210 and 220 thousand tons
Since the start of the campaign on November 1, 2023 and up to September 30, 2024, olive oil revenues have increased by 58% compared to the same period last year, reaching 5,025 million dinars, according to the National Olive Oil Office (ONH).
Since the start of the campaign, “Tunisia has exported 190,122 tons of olive oil, including 26,483 tons of packaged olive oil worth 765 million dinars, up 45% compared with the same period of the 2022/2023 campaign”.
On average, “the price of a ton of bulk olive oil exported by Tunisia to international markets has reached 26,429 dinars, while the price of a ton of packaged olive oil is 28,887 dinars”.
According to the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI), olive oil production is expected to be between 210 and 220 thousand tons this season, compared to 217 thousand tons last season.
A series of measures for olive sector
For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program to enhance the value of its quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as agri-food investments and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to move from mass production to bottled oils.
Training initiatives have been put in place to promote environmentally friendly production practices, improving biosecurity, sustainability and conservation.
The aim is clear: to put Tunisian olive oil on the world map, help local producers access high-value export markets and improve product quality.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the sector’s resilience in the face of climate change.
With roots dating back to pre-Roman times, the Tunisian olive sector is at a turning point in its history. It is poised for a renaissance thanks to wise investments, well thought-out export strategies, food safety measures and a solid brand image.
Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation and strengthen its position as a world leader in quality olive products. The future of Tunisian olive oil looks brighter than ever (…).
Tunisia recently won first place in the world at the International Afro-Asian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition organized by the Swedish “World Olive Oil Competitions” group in Abu Dhabi.