Who is the largest producer of olive oil in the world?

Olive oil is one of the star products of the Mediterranean diet and a fundamental element in the gastronomy not only of Spain but of many countries around the world. In fact, the list of olive oil producing countries is enormous, and it keeps growing.

Indeed, olive oil production is not only an art but also an industry that moves millions of euros annually, as it is a product widely consumed worldwide, playing a leading role in more and more cuisines.

But, have you ever wondered who is the largest olive oil producer in the world?

We know it's a very interesting topic, and therefore, at Olivarte we are going to review the main olive oil producers in the world, making a mention of Spain.

Keep reading and discover which country is the largest olive oil producer. Will it be the one you expected?

Olive oil: a product with history

Olive oil is a globally valued product not only for its flavor but also for its nutritional properties and health benefits.

Today, olive oil production is an industry spanning several continents, with countries competing to be leaders in this sector. But before diving into the data, it is important to understand some key concepts.

For example, did you know that the extraction process of olive oil is
carried out in an oil mill? This term, which comes from Arabic, refers to the place where olives are crushed to obtain the precious liquid.

If you want to learn more about this process, we recommend reading our
article about what an oil mill, where you will discover everything
about the production of EVOO.

The world's largest olive oil producers

According to recent studies, the main producers of extra virgin olive oil
in the world are concentrated in the Mediterranean basin, although
there are other countries that have started to stand out in recent years.

Below, we have prepared a ranking of the largest
producers of EVOO:

1. Spain: the largest olive oil producer in the world

Without a doubt, Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the
world, with more than 1.5 million tons annually.

Spain accounts for around 50% of the world's olive oil production
, with Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura being the main
producing areas, where varieties such as picual, hojiblanca, and
arbequina stand out, among others.

You're interested:
What is EVOO?

Additionally, Spain is recognized for the quality of its EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), considered the liquid gold of gastronomy.

2. Italy: synonymous with tradition and quality

Italy holds the second place in global olive oil production.
Although its volume is less than Spain's, the country is famous for the
excellence of its oils, especially those from the regions of Tuscany,
Apulia, and Calabria.

Moreover, Italy is also a major exporter, and its products are highly valued in the international market.

3. Greece: the highest per capita consumer

Surprisingly, Greece is the third largest olive oil producer
and, interestingly, the country with the highest per capita consumption in the world. This
is because Greeks use olive oil in almost all their meals,
and their production focuses on varieties like koroneiki, known for its
intense and fruity flavor.

4. Turkey: an emerging producer

Turkey has significantly increased its production in recent years, positioning itself as the fourth largest global producer.

One of its most notable aspects is that the country has a great diversity of olive types, allowing it to offer a wide range of oils with unique flavors and aromas.

5. Tunisia: the African giant

Completing this ranking is Tunisia, the largest olive oil producer in Africa and one of the main exporters worldwide. Although its production can vary depending on climatic conditions, the country has managed to establish itself as a key player in the international market.

Spain: the heart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Besides being the largest olive oil producing country, Spain is also a benchmark in innovation and quality, with more than 300 olive varieties from different geographical areas.

This allows Spain to have multiple types of olive oils, each with its own characteristics, flavors, and aromas, suited to all kinds of palates and culinary uses.

Likewise, Spain has been a pioneer in implementing advanced technologies in oil mills, which has improved efficiency and the quality of the final product. This, combined with an ideal climate and a millenary tradition, has consolidated the country as the undisputed leader in olive oil production.