The olive oil market in France

The olive is a typical fruit of the Mediterranean region, consumed in two forms: either as a condiment or table olive, or in the form ofolive oil after pressing the fruit.

Olive oil is obtained by crushing fresh fruit into a paste, then filtering, centrifuging and heating (or not) the paste to extract the oil. Itis one of the main ingredients in the diets of Mediterranean countries, and is mainly used in the preparation of salads and as a cooking fat . It is also used in cosmetics on a more anecdotal basis.

The world olive oil market is highly concentrated in the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain, Greece and Italy. To give you an idea: theEuropean Union and Africa will account for 80% of the world's olive-growing area in 2022: Spain alone will account for 24% of the world's olive-growing area in 2022. Overall, olive-growing areas have been increasing over time since 1992: between then and 2022, they will have risen by 46%. However, since 2002, this increase in olive-growing area has become less and less pronounced, as a new global supply trend interferes with these data: Intensive olive grove production, which is reducing olive-growing area for the same or even higher yields.

France, despite a favorable climate in its southern regions and, above all, despite the fact that the EU accounts for 75% of world exports by volume(2022-2023), is finding it extremely difficult to assert itself against foreign competition, which supplies almost all products consumed domestically according to data from the IOOC (International Olive Oil Council). However, growers are trying to adapt to new trends, notably with organic farming, and to differentiate themselves from one anotherviaprotected and controlled designations of origin.

The olive oil market in France is growing rapidly, and is primarily a consumer market. Indeed, France, which imports over 95% of its olive oil, has seen its consumption multiply by 5 in less than 20 years. However, between 2022 and 2023, the price of olive oil rose by 44%, causing French consumption to fall by 20%.

This national market mirrors the global market: a completely heterogeneous market in which the PACA region accounts for 50% of sales in 2022-2023.

The French are particularly fond of olive oil, not so much for its quantity, but rather for the way it is consumed. In France, as much for its price as for its virtues (anti-cholesterol, dietary...), olive oil is considered a relatively luxurious product, and its quality is often of the highest order. In fact, the most popular type of olive oil is extra virgin.