Portugal is a small country in the Southwestern part of Europe. Its South and West part is on the Atlantic Ocean, and its North East part borders Spain.
The Mediterranean and Oceanic are the two main climates. The Mediterranean climate is very favorable in the production of olive oil and olive oil is very favorable in the economy of the country.
The consumption of olive oil in Portugal is about 8 kilos per capita annually. Portugal in quantity produces only 1.5% of the world’s olive oil production, but its quality is in the gourmet level.
Certain regions in Portugal, like the region of Moura, the Tras-os-Montes, the Notre Alentjano and Douro, favor the production of olive oil. Along with the good Mediterranean climate, the innovation of cultivation and the modern technological tools, have elevated the production and are directing the economy to prosperity.
The Alentejo region and the Tras-os-Montes are the two regions that compromise 65% of the olive orchards and 75% of the country’s olive oil production. In the two regions the evolution is considerably notable and in Lisboa e Vale do Tejo and Beira Interior are concentrating on increasing the production and quality of their olive oil.
When Portugal became a member of the European Union, serious measures have been taken, so the quality of their olive oil is in compliance with the European Union’s standards. Although development and modernization of cultivation and production plays a major role, the wonderful climate above all, is the reason of the best quality.
A lesser quality olive oil comes from varieties of olive trees that are vulnerable to disease and pests. In Portugal the Galega Vulgar variety is susceptible to disease, so strict measures should be taken for the fight against them.