Spain’s National Association of Industrial Packagers and Edible Oil Refiners (ANIERAC) announced yesterday that the country’s olive oil sales reached 351.5 million liters (302,290 metric tons) between October 2014 and September 2015, down 5.55 percent from the year before, when 372.2 million liters (320,092 tons) were sold.
Anierac, which represents 80 percent of Spain’s olive oil- and seed oil-producing companies, also revealed that 111 million liters (95,460 tons) were sold of extra virgin olive oil, down 7.62 percent from last year’s 120 million liters (103,200 tons).
Sales of virgin olive oil slipped 3.26 percent to 50.4 million liters (43,344 tons).
“Suave olive oil” saw a 6.39 percent decrease, selling 132 million liters, and “intense olive oil” sales were down just 1.34 percent to 58 million liters.
Olive pomace oil sales climbed to 16 million liters, which is roughly 2 million more than sold the year before.
Anierac’s Director Primitivo Fernández told Olive Oil Times the overall decrease in sales was surely related to rising olive oil prices caused by recent low-producing harvests. As such, consumers have opted for cheaper alternatives.
Fernández pointed out that despite the large increase in olive oil prices over the course of last year’s harvest — a 51 percent surge between May 2014 and October 2015 — sales have only dropped 5.55 percent.
In light of yesterday’s news that Spain’s 2015 – 2016 harvest should yield higher olive oil production, the hope is that these elevated prices will go down and sales will again increase.
Related Articles
Feb. 23, 2024
After Bumper Harvests, a Sharply Lower Yield in Argentina
An ‘off-year’ harvest, lack of chill hours, and extreme weather events are expected to reduce the yield by as much as 40 percent.
Aug. 11, 2024
Social Media Users Unimpressed With Spain's Olive Oil Tax Cut
Consumers contended that eliminating the value-added tax for olive oil did not result in a significant price drop in supermarkets.
Jul. 15, 2024
As Value of Tunisian Exports Soar, Packaged Olive Oil Struggles
Olive oil export revenues in the first seven months of the 2023/24 crop year nearly doubled in Tunisia, but many producers are not reaping all the benefits.
Jun. 12, 2024
Turkey Eases Export Ban Following Intense Lobbying
Turkish producers will be able to export 50,000 tons of bulk olive oil until November. With forecasts of bumper harvest, the sector wants the ban lifted completely.
Sep. 27, 2024
Climate Chaos Wreaks Havoc on Chilean Harvest
High winter temperatures in the north and relentless rain in central Chile combined to create a perfect storm for olive growers, resulting in the lowest production levels in a decade.
Oct. 31, 2024
Turkey Lifts Ban on Bulk Olive Oil Exports
The move comes when stocks are high in Turkey and non-existent in Europe. Another bumper harvest is expected.
Oct. 18, 2024
Trump’s Tariff Proposals Would Sting U.S. Olive Oil Consumers
Whether there is a ten- or 60-percent tariff on all imported goods, most observers believe olive oil will become more expensive, and consumers will pay the difference.
Oct. 1, 2024
Egypt Aims for Significant Increase in Olive Oil Exports
Officials are developing a strategy to increase exports by expanding production.