The table olive market in Italy

Table olives are olives that are grown and prepared specifically for direct consumption as food. Unlike oil olives, which are used primarily for the production of olive oil, table olives are processed and preserved so that they can be enjoyed whole. The product is prepared from the fruits of the cultivated olive tree (Olea europaea L.) that have reached 'adequate ripeness for processing. These fruits have been identified as the most suitable for processing due to their volume, shape, flesh-to-stone ratio, fine flesh, flavor, texture, and ease of detachment from the stone.

The global table olive market has been valued at $4.06 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent from 2023 to 2030, reaching $5.42 billion. There is a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with olive consumption. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats, olives are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its positive health effects. This awareness is prompting many consumers to include more olives in their daily diet.

In recent years, world production has increased by34.8 percent, while consumption has decreased by 10.34 percent . This creates a situation of oversupply that has multiple effects on the market, prices, producers and consumers.

Regarding the Italian market, the value of production sold in recent years has increased by 42.9%, along with the quantity made and sold, which have increased by 37% and 31%, respectively. These positive trends recall the fact that our country is second only to Spain in the number of olives consumed in the world.

Most of Italy's production is attributable to Sicily and Puglia, which together account for about 61 percent of the national total.