Weekly Olive Oil Market Updates
The European olive oil market remains stagnant, with no transactions occurring and packers refraining from purchasing. Wikifarmer offers valuable insights and essential information on Mediterranean market trends through field experts, supported by data from organizations such as the Union of Olive Oil-Producing Municipalities of Crete, PoolRed, and Ismea Mercati.
In the Spanish market, stakeholders are adjusting to current challenges, with prices continuing to decline due to low packer activity and the need to offload stock. However, experts anticipate that major players in the packing sector will soon begin purchasing. This trend is also evident in the Italian and Greek markets. The supply of high-quality EVOO in Italy is dwindling, with a surplus of lower-quality oil. Similarly, Greece is experiencing a shortage of premium extra virgin olive oil, with most availability in medium to low-quality EVOO. Notably, the Sparta region has a substantial amount of high-quality olive oil, though at a higher price. Both markets are seeing a downward trend in prices.
A general shift in food industry packaging has been observed. Beginning with France's new law mandating recyclable containers for fresh fruits and vegetables, this trend is now extending to other areas of the agri-food sector. Starting July 3, 2024, all beverage containers up to three liters sold in the EU must have caps that remain attached to the bottles, as mandated by European Directive 2019/904 to reduce plastic waste, particularly in aquatic environments. Plenty of solutions are offered to help companies comply with this regulation by developing technologies that ensure caps stay attached throughout the bottle's lifecycle without compromising recyclability. This new regulation will bring many environmental benefits and the promotion of a circular economy.
Boosting Olive Pomace Oil: Elevate Market and Research Initiatives
As we mentioned in our latest olive oil digest, olive pomace oil is gaining popularity due to its properties, which make it a good fat substitute in the food industry. On the other hand, the Official State Gazette (BOE) has announced the third extension of the Interprofessional Olive Pomace Oil Association (ORIVA) regulation, which mandates financial contributions for promoting olive pomace oil, enhancing market knowledge, and supporting research and innovation from the 2024/25 to 2028/29 campaigns. Approved at the 48th plenary meeting of the General Council of Interprofessional Agri-Food Organizations, this extension aims to improve the product's reputation, increase domestic and international sales, and ensure stability in the Spanish olive pomace sector.
The president of ORIVA has highlighted the extension as crucial for continuing efforts to boost the product's recognition and value chain, focusing on communication and research. From October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2029, ORIVA will persist in promoting olive pomace oil's nutritional, culinary, economic, and environmental benefits.