Virgin Olive Oil Exports by Country in 2025

As we navigate the global agricultural and culinary landscapes in 2025, virgin olive oil continues to solidify its position as a premium commodity. Once considered a regional staple of the Mediterranean, it has now become a globally sought-after product valued for its health benefits, distinct flavor, and versatile culinary uses.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore virgin olive oil exports by country in 2025, analyze the top exporters, their production capacities, and the market trends influencing global trade. Whether you're a food distributor, health brand, investor, or enthusiast, this guide provides everything you need to know to understand the evolving dynamics of the virgin olive oil export market.

Understanding Virgin Olive Oil: What Makes It Special?

Before diving into export statistics, it’s essential to understand what distinguishes virgin olive oil from other grades.

Virgin olive oil is a pure, cold-pressed product made without any chemical treatments. Unlike extra virgin olive oil, which has a stricter requirement for acidity and flavor, virgin olive oil allows slightly higher acidity (up to 2%) and may contain minor sensory defects, but it still maintains a high standard for quality and taste.

Key Characteristics of Virgin Olive Oil:

• Acidity Level: ≤ 2%

• Extraction Method: Cold-pressed, mechanical only

• Flavor Profile: Mild, fruity with occasional bitterness or pungency

• Nutritional Value: High in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and Vitamin E

Due to its balance of affordability and health benefits, virgin olive oil has found a niche in both consumer kitchens and commercial food industries.

Global Export Value of Virgin Olive Oil in 2025

Despite challenges from climate volatility, inflation, and geopolitical disruptions, the global virgin olive oil market is on track for recovery in 2025. According to international trade data projections:

• Total global virgin olive oil exports in 2025 are expected to exceed $8.9 billion USD

• Volume exported worldwide: Approximately 1.42 million metric tonnes

• Average price per tonne globally: $6,200 USD

This recovery is driven by increased demand in non-traditional markets like Asia and North America, as well as improved yields in several key producing nations.

1. Spain: The Undisputed Export Leader

Spain remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of virgin olive oil in 2025.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: Over $3.4 billion USD

• Export Volume: Approximately 620,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: USA, Italy, China, Germany, Japan

Spain’s diverse climate allows it to cultivate a wide range of olive cultivars, giving producers flexibility to meet market-specific flavor and quality demands. Major regions like Andalusia and Catalonia dominate output, and companies like Deoleo and Acesur lead in international branding.

Key Advantage:

• Large-scale, cost-efficient production

• Investment in mechanization and sustainability

Spain's virgin olive oil continues to serve as a benchmark for value and consistency.

2. Italy: The High-End Quality Exporter

Italy, long regarded as the luxury brand of the olive oil world, ranks second in virgin olive oil exports by value.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: Around $2.2 billion USD

• Export Volume: 330,000–350,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: United States, Germany, Canada, South Korea

While Italy doesn’t match Spain’s volume, it makes up for it with high per-unit pricing. Italian oils are often sold under PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) labels and benefit from strong consumer trust in quality and origin.

Key Advantage:

• Premium branding and packaging

• Rich heritage and craftsmanship

• High traceability and organic certifications

Italy is also a major re-exporter, importing bulk virgin olive oil from countries like Greece or Tunisia, bottling it domestically, and reselling it as Italian products — a controversial but lucrative practice.

3. Greece: Strong in Quality, Battling Volatility

Greece holds the third position in virgin olive oil exports, although its production volumes have fluctuated dramatically due to climate challenges.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: Roughly $1.26 billion USD

• Export Volume: ~190,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: Germany, Italy, United States, Australia

Greece is known for its Koroneiki olives, which are rich in polyphenols and create a distinctively aromatic oil. Many Greek producers focus on organic farming and artisanal methods.

Key Advantage:

• Deep-rooted olive oil tradition

• High EVOO-to-virgin oil conversion rate (nearly 80% of production qualifies as extra virgin)

Despite its relatively small population, Greece has one of the highest per capita consumptions of olive oil, with much of its export being high-quality bulk for bottling in other countries.

4. Tunisia: North Africa’s Olive Oil Powerhouse

Tunisia has become an essential non-European olive oil exporter, especially to the U.S. and Middle Eastern markets.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: Over $1.1 billion USD

• Export Volume: 210,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: USA, Spain, France, Saudi Arabia

After years of investment in irrigation, modern farming, and organic certification, Tunisia is no longer seen as just a bulk supplier. High-end organic virgin olive oils from Tunisia are now competing in premium segments.

Key Advantage:

• Lower production costs

• High polyphenol concentration due to dry climate

• Growing investment from international olive oil conglomerates

5. Portugal: Gaining Momentum in 2025

Portugal has steadily climbed the export rankings, with modernized olive groves and a sharp focus on sustainability.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: ~$950 million USD

• Export Volume: ~160,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: Brazil, Angola, Spain, Germany

Portuguese producers have introduced super-intensive plantations, particularly in the Alentejo region, increasing yields and reducing labor costs. Many brands have also adopted carbon-neutral and zero-waste production strategies.

Key Advantage:

• Young, tech-savvy producers

• Strong presence in Latin American markets

6. Turkey: Emerging as a Global Exporter

Turkey has surprised the market by climbing into the top six exporters of virgin olive oil in 2025.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: ~$820 million USD

• Export Volume: 150,000–170,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: UAE, Iraq, Germany, China

With vast olive-growing regions in Aegean provinces, Turkey has rapidly expanded production. The Turkish government has supported this growth through subsidies and export incentives, although recent export bans temporarily disrupted supply chains.

Key Advantage:

• Strong domestic infrastructure

• Diverse product portfolio (including organic and cold-pressed oils)

7. Morocco: Building Its Brand Abroad

Though not yet a heavyweight, Morocco is investing heavily in becoming a future olive oil powerhouse.

Export Highlights:

• Export Value: ~$520 million USD

• Export Volume: 100,000 metric tonnes

• Top Markets: France, Spain, UAE, Canada

Morocco’s government initiatives under the Green Morocco Plan have encouraged olive cultivation in non-traditional zones, expanding the country’s overall agricultural capacity.

Rising Demand in Asia and North America

While Europe continues to dominate production, consumption growth is now concentrated in Asia and North America.

Asia-Pacific Trends:

• Japan, South Korea, and China are leading the way

• Rising health awareness is fueling demand

• Refined virgin olive oils priced as high as $6,942/ton in early 2025

North America Trends:

• United States remains one of the largest importers globally

• Preference for EVOO and virgin oils with health claims

• Growth in private-label and organic offerings

Challenges Facing the Virgin Olive Oil Export Industry

Despite the positive outlook, the virgin olive oil export market faces several challenges:

• Climate change: Extreme droughts, floods, and wildfires have disrupted harvests in the Mediterranean

• Input costs: Rising labor and energy costs increase production expenses

• Trade restrictions: Export bans and policy shifts (especially in Turkey and Morocco) have caused supply shocks

• Adulteration scandals: Counterfeit oils dilute trust and lower market prices

• Logistics: Global shipping disruptions increase costs and delivery times

To stay competitive, exporters must invest in traceability, quality certification, and transparent branding.

Future Outlook for Virgin Olive Oil Exports

The future looks promising but uncertain. Here's what's on the horizon:

• Global production in 2025–26 is projected to reach 3.38 million tonnes, a 32% increase year-over-year.

• Digital traceability systems using blockchain are gaining popularity for quality assurance.

• Sustainable farming and precision irrigation are being adopted widely to counter environmental threats.

• Emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Mexico are expected to double their import volumes by 2027.

Exporters that prioritize quality, sustainability, and branding will dominate the next era of the virgin olive oil trade.

Conclusion: The Global Olive Oil Export Landscape in 2025

From Spain’s dominance to Portugal’s modernization, the 2025 virgin olive oil export market reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Exporters are navigating volatile conditions with adaptability, while consumers continue to demand quality, health-conscious, and ethically produced oils.

In a world that increasingly values natural nutrition and traceability, virgin olive oil stands as a symbol of both culinary excellence and agricultural heritage. As demand soars and new players rise, one thing is clear: the global race for virgin olive oil supremacy is only just beginning.Virgin Olive Oil Exports by Country in 2025