L'économie mondiale de l'huile d'olive

Abstract

Although it accounts for less than 3% of the world edible oil market, olive oil is attracting growing interest from new countries, particularly thanks to the results of scientific research confirming the positive attributes of this "liquid gold" and its place in the Mediterranean diet. This interest is accompanied by a transformation of the structure of output and tougher competition between the producing countries as a new generation of producers in search of maximum returns lines up behind olive oil heavyweight Spain and the other traditional producing countries. Tandem developments in commercial supply channels likewise reflect a deep change in the structure of the world market. The combination of over fragmented supply and pressure from demand, heavily concentrated in the hands of large retailers, is leading to particularly low, worrisome levels of prices that are likely to cast doubt on the profitability of this agricultural crop in less competitive areas where it plays such an important role. © J.-L. Barjol, published by EDP Sciences, 2014.