IF YOU CAME to Tunisia from abroad, you will likely land at Carthage Airport in Tunis. If you are directed South, among the olive trees, you will find billboards promoting sunflower oil.
Tunisia is the second-largest producer of olive oil in the world, after the European Union, and is considered a rising star of the sector, but the policy of the government has focused only on boosting its olive oil abroad, while locals head toward cheaper oils to save their purchasing power. On Tunisian tables, refined seed oils have slowly been taking the place of olive oil, the only alimentary fat locals knew before.
This year, internal consumption of olive oil is estimated to fall at only 50,000 tons, or about 4.6 liters per person. The domestic use of olive oil amounts to a small percentage of the 260,000 tons expected from the current harvest.
Campaigns will be needed to buck the negative trend and inform Tunisian consumers about the health benefits of consuming the olive oil from their own back yard, and to bring olive oil back again to its important place in Tunisian diet, for sake of their health and cultural integrity.
It will only happen if an effort is supported by a strong political will. The next occasion could be the runoff of the presidential election that will be held on December 21. Who will win should not forget to put on his political agenda the efforts needed to increase the consumption of olive oil in Tunisia.
Related Articles
Jul. 23, 2024
The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Morocco’s Olive Oil Sector
While investments are being made to promote quality and climate resilience, some policies are hurting local consumption and inhibiting value-added production.
Feb. 28, 2024
Córdoba Festival Promotes Local Olive Oil Against Backdrop of Harvest Challenges
Organizers hailed the event as an opportunity for local producers to promote their products after a demanding harvest.
Jan. 16, 2024
The Olive Tree and the Rise of Athens
The story of the divine competition for Athens reflects the ancient Greeks' reverence for wisdom, strategy and life's practical needs.
Aug. 19, 2024
The Olive Tree and The Olympics: An Ancient Bond
The olive tree has always symbolized unity and excellence in the Olympic Games.
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.
Jun. 10, 2024
Concrete and Water Are Damaging Montenegro's Oldest Olive Tree
In their efforts to turn the 2,247-year-old Stara Maslina into a tourist attraction, local authorities have inadvertently damaged the iconic olive tree.
Apr. 9, 2024
Tunisian Ag Minister Urges Sector to Take Advantage of Bumper Harvest
Olive oil production rebounded in the 2023/24 crop year. Abdelmonem Belati believes the sector must work together to export extra virgin olive oil quickly.
Nov. 7, 2024
China Shows Interest in Becoming Olive Council Member
With a fledgling olive oil production sector and a growing appetite for the product, China has signaled interest in becoming the latest International Olive Council member.