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 gearing up for a promising season, with production forecast at one million tons of olives and a total of 200,000 tons of olive oil, an impressive 11% increase on the previous season.
November sales up 16.6%
According to the National Olive Oil Office (ONH), olive oil export revenues increased by 16.6% to 281 million dinars (MD) in November 2024, compared to 241 MD in November 2023.
This improvement is mainly due to the 47% increase in the quantity of olive oil exported, to 14,781 tons, despite a 20.6% drop in prices, from 23.974 thousand dinars/ton in November 2023 to 19.022 thousand dinars/ton currently.
It should be noted that the quantities of packaged olive oil exported have increased by 30%, reaching 2.5 thousand tons with a value of 67 MD.
Tunisians consume 30 thousand tons of olive oil per year
Faouzi Zayani, an expert in agricultural policy and sustainable development, pointed out that this year the Ministry of Agriculture did not publish the production figures for the 2024/2025 season.
“The regional delegations have estimated the crop at around 280,000 tons, with favorable rainfall in August and September having a positive impact on the harvest,” he said.
He added that Tunisians consume 30,000 tons of olive oil per year, which highlights the importance of exporting this product, especially as the country has the capacity to produce 500,000 tons per year.
A series of measures for the olive sector
For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program to add value to its quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as investment in the agri-food sector and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to move from mass production to bottled oils.
Training initiatives have been introduced 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-designed export strategies, food safety measures and a solid brand image.
Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation and strengthen its position as the world’s leading supplier of quality olive oil 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 in Abu Dhabi.
