In this article we will present the 5 countries that produce the best olives in the world. You can read our detailed discussion and a more comprehensive list by visiting 12 Countries That Produce The Best Olives In the World.
5. Tunisia
Olive Oil Exports as of 2021: $600 million
With olive oil exports valued at $600 million as of 2021, Tunisia takes the fifth spot on our list of the countries that produce the best olives in the world. It is the northernmost country on the African continent and is a part of North Africa’s Maghreb region. Tunisia boasts a variety of premium olive kinds, with the most popular being Chétoui and Chemlali. The country’s olive oil is known for its healthy polyphenols. Tunisia is also one of the most significant exporters of olive oil globally. It exported around 205,000 tons of olive oil from its production of 240,000 tons in 2021, which accounted for nearly 7.15% of the total global olive oil exports.
4. Greece
Olive Oil Exports as of 2021: $671 million
Greece ranks fourth on our list of the top olive-producing countries in the world. The country boasts a long history of cultivating olives, and has a rich cuisine which seldom includes them. It has an annual average olive oil production of 430,000 tones, and exports olive oil worth $671 million in 2021. Research suggests that around 75% of the total production in the country consists of extra virgin olive oil. Greece conducts around 8.01% of the total global olive oil exports, most of which is exported to European countries. However, it also exports oil to other parts of the world, including the US and Canada.
3. Portugal
Olive Oil Exports as of 2021: $829 million
The third spot on our list of the 12 countries that produce the best olives in the world is held by Portugal. The country’s olive oil production is typically concentrated in the Trás-os-Montes and Alentejo districts. Several kinds of olives are cultivated in Portugal, some of which include Cobrançosa, Cordovil de Serpa, Galician, Madural, and Verdeal. In 2021, the country conducted olive oil exports worth $829 million, making olive oil the 16th most exported item in the country. Much of these exports were carried out to Spain, Italy, Brazil, France, and the US.
2. Italy
Olive Oil Exports as of 2021: $1.73 billion
Italy is one of the world’s top producers of olives and olive oil, with exports worth $1.73 billion as of 2021. Some of its significant olive oil-producing regions include Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily. Italy is known for growing fruity-flavored olives, such as the Frantoio, Pendolino, and Leccino varieties. Apart from extra virgin olive oil, the country is also famous for other kinds of olive oil, such as refined olive oil for cooking and lampante oil for industrial purposes.
1. Spain
Olive Oil Exports as of 2021: $3.87 billion
Spain ranks first on our list of the 12 countries that produce the best olives in the world. It is the world’s largest exporter of extra virgin olive oil, accounting for a market share of 46.21%. In fact, data by the International Olive Council (IOC) suggests that Spain produces around 40% of the global olive oil. The country’s primary olive and olive oil-producing regions include Andalusia, La Mancha, and Extremadura.
To learn about other top countries that produce the best olives in the world, you can check out our detailed report on 12 Countries That Produce The Best Olives In the World. At Insider Monkey, we delve into a variety of topics, ranging from countries that produce the best olives to business aspects; however, our expertise lies in identifying the top-performing stocks. Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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