Abstract
Olives are an important agricultural crop originating from the Mediterranean region, and their import volume varies greatly depending on each country’s food culture and demand. According to 2021 data, Italy recorded the largest volume of olive imports at 581kt, reflecting the country’s status as a major producer of olive oil. Italy is particular about the quality and variety of olive oil it produces, and imports and processes a lot of olives for domestic consumption as well as supplying to the international market. Historically, olive import volumes have been driven primarily by changes in economic conditions and demand in producing and consuming countries. While Mediterranean countries are the main producers, consumption is increasing in Northern Europe and the United States, leading to increased imports. A recent trend is the increasing health consciousness leading to an increase in demand for olive oil worldwide, which is also reflected in import volumes. Furthermore, as supplies from some producing countries become unstable due to the effects of climate change and disease, import volumes may be adjusted to ensure a stable source of supply.
Olive imports (worldwide)
Considering data from 1961 to 2021, there are notable fluctuations in olive import volumes. The peak import volume of 719kt was recorded by Italy in 2004, indicating that Italy was a major producer and consumer of olive oil. Imports have since declined, reaching 581kt in 2021, about 80.8% of the peak. The decline may be due to increased domestic production, improved production efficiency, or changes in demand for olive oil. Fluctuations in olive import volumes have been influenced by global market trends, changes in consumer health consciousness, and the effects of climate change. At its peak in the early 2000s, demand surged in many countries as attention shifted to the health benefits of olive oil, but since then, this could be due to a stabilization of the market and the emergence of new production areas. It is also believed that increased competition from other producing countries has led to a decline in Italian imports. Future trends will depend on continued health consciousness and advances in production technology.
The maximum is 719kt[2004] of Italy, and the current value is about 80.8%
Olive imports by country (latest year)
Data on olive import volumes in 2021 provide insight into the characteristics of the global olive import market. Italy was the largest importer with 581kt, indicating that Italy is a major producer of olive oil and imports large amounts to meet its domestic demand. Overall imports totaled 2.55Mt, suggesting a stable demand for olive products globally. The average import volume was 13.9kt, which gives an idea of the diversity of importing countries. Compared to major importing countries like Italy, other countries’ import volumes are relatively small. These data show that the global olive import market has seen peaks of rapid growth but also sustained supply backed by stable demand. In addition, since olive import volumes are greatly influenced by regional consumption trends and production conditions, it will be important to keep an eye on future market trends.
The maximum is 581kt of Italy, the average is 13.9kt, and the total is 2.55Mt
Olive imports (continental)
According to 2021 data, the largest volume of global olive imports was in Europe, reaching 1.68 Mt, indicating high demand for olives and olive oil within the region. Europe is the main consumer market for olives, with the Mediterranean countries accounting for a large share of olive imports. The trend so far has been that Europe has high demands for quality and variety in olive oil, leading to increased imports. Looking back at historical data, olive imports increased steadily through the 1990s and early 2000s, with demand remaining stable since then. This is due to the widespread awareness of olive oil’s health benefits and its use in cooking, which has increased its consumption. In addition, European production is insufficient to meet demand, leading to a growing reliance on imports. Recently, interest in high quality and rare varieties of olive oil has grown, and imports in some countries continue to increase. In the future, growing health consciousness and changes in food culture are expected to continue to affect import volumes.
The maximum is 1.68Mt[2020] of Europe, and the current value is about 91.8%
Olive imports (latest year, continental)
Data on olive imports in 2021 sheds light on the current situation and trends in the global olive market. Data for 2021 shows that Europe was the largest importing region with 1.54Mt, indicating that it is the main consumer market for olives and olive oil. Demand for olives is very high within the region, with the Mediterranean countries accounting for the majority of imports. Overall imports were 2.56Mt, with an average import volume of 426kt. The data reflects the stability of global olive market demand as well as consumption trends in different regions. Europe’s high import levels indicate that local production cannot meet demand and so the country relies on imports to ensure a stable supply. In particular, growing health consciousness and demand for quality olive oil are factors driving increased imports. Looking at past trends, olive imports have shown a steady increase, particularly due to the health boom and diversification of food culture since the 2000s. In the future, growing health awareness and the diversification of olive products are expected to contribute to further increases in import volumes.
The maximum is 1.54Mt of Europe, the average is 426kt, and the total is 2.56Mt
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