Expansion of olive orchards in China spikes interest in olive oil consumption within China

Currently, approximately 23.000 hectares are being produced (approximately 27%). The planting rhythm is 14.000 hectares per year and, according to the latest production figures, corresponding to the 2015/2016 harvest, it reached 5.000 tonnes, of which 85% corresponded to extra virgin olive oil and 15% virgin olive oil.

The creation of an olive orchard in China has not only been beneficial for the environment, but also for the economy; because 3.200 families directly depend on the orchards, which also give sporadic work to another 15.000 people, according to a report by the International Olive Council.

This olive oil boom in China has made this country to be one of the most outstanding and anticipated participating countries at the next World Olive Oil Exhibition in 2017.

During the 2014/2015 harvest, olive oil imports in China amounted to 36.000 tonnes, of which 81% (more than 29.000 tonnes) were imported from Spain; 13% from Italy (more than 4.500 tonnes) and 2% from Greece (720 tonnes), while the remaining 4% (approximately 1.500 tonnes) was split among Australia, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. 78% of the Chinese purchases were virgin and extra virgin olive oil; 8% olive oil and 14% olive pomace oil.

The main Chinese brands that market olive oil are: Bailonghu, Bolin, Chuanhu, Fenghai, Fotanggan, Hengshengpai Huao, Lvshang, Meierya, Shibolin, Nuhua Daomai, Shifang, Tianyuan, Wudu, Xiangyu, Fulimen, Xinlv, Zijuedachao.

The most common varieties are Italian: frantoio, rosciola, pendolino and leccio.

WORLD OLIVE OIL EXHIBITION 2017

The success of the previous WOOE was praised by most of the industry’s players who attended the fair and has given a thrust to developmental work of the next edition. Therefore the 2017 exhibition is expected to have a high presence of organic producers, whose olive oil is in increasing demand from international markets. The WOOE is committed to quality, but also to creativity, and that is why packaging and labeling will play a key role during the next trade fair.