Traditionally olive oil production has been located in the Mediterranean countries and for the last few years, has been spreaded all over the planet. Regions worldwide, where the summers are hot and the winters are mild, participate in the cultivation of the olive tree.
South America, Argentina and Chile, known for their excellent wine production, are getting in the olive oil production heavily. Colombia also has made its entrance into the olive oil industry. The development of olive oil production is targeting local consumption, also exporting.
Peru has entered the olive oil sector, targeting the export market.
South America has small orchards which are considered “boutiqhe operations”. Consumption is low and efforts to increase production are climbing. The main goals are the production of high quality olive oil and the entering in the export market.
In North America, California is the top olive oil producer in the country of United States, followed by Florida, Texas and Oregon.
The olive tree was brought also into Mexico from Spain in the mid of the 16th century. Today the production of olive oil adds a significant contribution to the economy of the country.
China and India have started cultivation of the olive tree on a small scale, with limited production for local consumption. Their goal is the improvement of quality. China’s unsuitable for mass olive oil production environment, along with the luck of technology, limits the development of this sector. India’s region of Rajasthan due to its favorable climate and government subsidies, aims into becoming a leading international producer.
In South Africa the olive tree cultivation is growing and the production is mostly of extra virgin olive oil. The perfect climate helps significantly the growth of the olive oil sector.
Australia and New Zealand are also known for their excellent wines. The olive oil industry is growing and modern cultivation techniques and mechanized equipment for harvesting, increased its ability producing and exporting large quantities of high quality olive oil.
According to the AOA (Australian Olive Association), the olive oil consumption in 2012 was about 50,000 metric tons. Australia’s consumption is higher than its production. Olive tree planting continues steadily and the region of Victoria is the most planted area. Arbequina, Piqual, Frantoio, Coratina are the main growing varieties. Koroneiki, Manjanillo, Picoline, are varieties chosen for their high production and high quality.
Olive oil! Gaining ground worldwide!