The 2014/2015 olive oil season indicates a substantial rise in purchases both in the United Estates and Japan

The olive oil season, which took place from October 2014 to September 2015, has reported an increase of 12% in imports from the United States (from 290.000 tonnes during the previous season to nearly 325.000 tonnes). Together with Italy, the United States is the world’s biggest buyer. Such an increase was also experienced in Japan, where imports rose 10 % (from 56.000 tonnes to 61.500 tonnes), according to the first estimations by the International Olive Council (IOC).

However, the 2014/2015 olive oil season was also marked by a reduced harvest at a global level, because both Spanish and Italian productions decreased with a final harvest of 841.200 tonnes in Spain and 250.000 tonnes in Italy. On the contrary, Tunisia produced a huge harvest, with nearly 300.000 tonnes.

Spain purchased more than 100.000 tonnes outside the European market, especially from Tunisia, and Italy imported more than 80.000 tonnes; while sales dropped by 16 % in Russia (approximately 25.000 tonnes), by 9 % in Brazil (up to 66.000 tonnes) and by 12 % in Australia (up to 24.500 tonnes).

The world’s olive oil consumption is predicted to increase by 5 % and it is estimated at 2.9 million tonnes. Therefore, given that there are no stocks from previous seasons, a significant year is expected for international trade.

The 5^th World Olive Oil Exhibition will be celebrated on the 2^nd and 3^rd of March 2016, with an ever-growing participation of oil mills from olive oil producing countries, as well as buyers from all over the world.