Olives Production by Country 2025
Olives—the Mediterranean's liquid gold source—thrive across 41 countries with Spain leading at 5,101,010 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 5,383,836 tonnes by 2025. Production worldwide reached approximately 17.3 million tonnes in 2023. Italy follows with 2,397,880 tonnes, while Turkey produces 1,520,000 tonnes. These ancient fruits create olive oil (90% of production) and table olives (10%). Whether you're drizzling extra virgin on salad, munching Kalamata olives, or making tapenade, olives deliver flavor and health. From ancient groves to modern mills, olives prove that some trees are worth their weight in oil!
Spain's 5,101,010 tonnes in 2023 represents massive volatility—production swings from 3.9 to 9.8 million tonnes due to alternate bearing (olives produce heavily one year, lightly the next) and weather. Andalusia dominates with 80% of Spanish production, particularly Jaén province (world's olive oil capital!). Spain grows primarily Picual variety for oil production. The country produces 50% of global olive oil and dominates exports. Spanish olive oil industry is highly mechanized with modern mills. However, climate change brings irregular rainfall and heat stress. Xylella fastidiosa (bacterial disease) threatens groves. Despite challenges, Spain's scale, expertise, and infrastructure maintain dominance. The alternate bearing pattern creates price volatility—abundant years crash prices, scarce years spike them! Italy produces 2,397,880 tonnes, primarily in Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. Italian production also shows alternate bearing but less extreme than Spain. Italy grows diverse varieties—Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina—creating regional oils with distinct flavors. Italy imports Spanish bulk oil, bottles it as "Italian," and exports at premium prices! Greece (not in top 3 but significant) produces premium extra virgin, particularly Kalamata olives. Turkey contributes 1,520,000 tonnes with both oil and table olives. Portugal (1,194,990), Tunisia (1,077,206), and Morocco (1,046,056) are major producers. North Africa's production serves domestic markets and exports. The Mediterranean climate (hot, dry summers; mild, wet winters) is essential for olives. Trees need winter chill for flowering but can't tolerate hard freezes! Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), vitamin E, and antioxidants at 884 calories per 100g. Extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed, <0.8% acidity) is healthiest—retains polyphenols and flavor. Mediterranean diet's health benefits largely attributed to olive oil consumption. Table olives provide fiber, vitamin E, and healthy fats at 115-145 calories per 100g (varies by preparation). Green olives are picked unripe, black olives fully ripe (or green olives artificially darkened with lye!). Culinary uses span cultures: Greek salads, Italian pasta, Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern mezze. Olive leaves used for tea. Pomace (leftover pulp) creates lower-grade oil or animal feed. Premium oils command $20-50/liter! Olive trees thrive in Mediterranean climate with 400-800mm annual rainfall. Trees take 3-5 years to fruit, reaching full production at 15-20 years, and can live 500+ years! Some groves in Greece and Italy are 1,000+ years old. Harvest occurs October-January as olives ripen. Traditional hand-picking preserves fruit quality; modern mechanical shakers speed harvest but can damage trees. Oil olives must be pressed within 24 hours to prevent oxidation and maintain quality. Major challenges include alternate bearing, Xylella fastidiosa (devastating bacterial disease), olive fruit fly, and climate change. Modern cultivation uses drip irrigation, integrated pest management, and high-density "super-intensive" groves (2,000+ trees/hectare vs traditional 100-200). Organic olive oil production grows but faces pest control challenges! Global olive oil market values at $15-20 billion annually with Spain dominating exports. Italy imports Spanish oil, re-exports as "Italian" at premium. Extra virgin commands highest prices; refined oil is cheaper. Fraud is rampant—"extra virgin" often cut with cheaper oils. Table olive market is smaller—Spain (green Manzanilla), Greece (Kalamata), Turkey (black olives) dominate. Processing creates diverse products: whole olives, pitted, stuffed (pimento, garlic, almonds), tapenade, and olive paste. Retail trends favor premium single-origin oils, organic certification, and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) labels. Climate change affects production through irregular rainfall and heat stress. However, olive oil's health benefits and culinary importance ensure continued demand. The craft food movement elevates olive oil from cooking fat to featured ingredient! Global production should remain stable through 2025 with Spain maintaining dominance despite volatility. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with changing conditions. The industry invests in Xylella-resistant varieties, precision irrigation, and sustainable practices. Value-added products—flavored oils, olive-based cosmetics, and health supplements—create opportunities. Sustainability focus drives organic production and traditional grove preservation. New producing regions (California, Australia, Chile) grow but can't match Mediterranean scale. These ancient trees' health benefits and culinary importance ensure their future. From ancient amphoras to modern bottles, olives prove that some flavors are timeless—one golden drop at a time!🏆 Spain's Volatile Olive Empire
Olives Production by Country 2025
1
5,383,836
2
2,301,186
3
2,000,536
4
1,431,562
5
1,110,143
6
1,038,603
7
1,031,898
8
847,040
9
759,155
10
388,398
11
347,906
12
200,976
13
163,789
14
158,590
15
137,184
16
133,010
17
132,164
18
128,155
19
106,922
20
102,969
21
99,409
22
78,400
23
31,738
24
30,725
25
26,961
26
24,747
27
22,044
28
14,543
29
11,793
30
11,461
31
7,747
32
5,492
33
4,099
34
2,619
35
2,619
36
1,571
37
643
38
508
39
421
40
117
41
20
🌍 Mediterranean Dominance
💪 Liquid Gold Benefits
🌱 Ancient Tree Cultivation
📈 Oil vs Table Markets
🔮 Mediterranean Future
Olives Production by Country 2025
#
1
9,819,570
5,965,080
8,137,810
8,256,550
3,940,070
5,101,010
5,383,836
2
1,953,540
2,194,110
2,207,150
2,270,630
2,160,400
2,397,880
2,301,186
3
1,500,467
1,525,000
1,316,626
1,738,680
2,976,000
1,520,000
2,000,536
4
1,561,465
1,912,238
1,409,266
1,590,504
1,968,111
1,046,056
1,431,562
5
738,550
939,070
735,350
1,375,750
791,660
1,194,990
1,110,143
6
1,617,000
700,000
2,000,000
700,000
1,200,000
1,077,206
1,038,603
7
1,083,771
981,000
968,400
1,056,548
1,011,444
1,034,310
1,031,898
8
860,784
868,754
1,079,508
704,619
847,032
904,014
847,040
9
664,643
844,316
781,204
566,043
990,948
697,325
759,155
10
357,819
357,819
364,546
382,105
388,200
391,034
388,398
11
303,989
321,000
321,000
341,829
357,277
344,715
347,906
12
188,982
190,986
174,316
147,011
226,942
206,983
200,976
13
125,150
214,994
169,265
151,308
162,661
169,458
163,789
14
141,680
140,180
172,520
173,260
167,441
147,411
158,590
15
145,000
134,500
136,380
137,951
138,351
136,176
137,184
16
126,000
126,800
137,436
146,700
126,500
131,440
133,010
17
59,345
177,611
76,630
174,643
139,500
110,771
132,164
18
117,573
98,313
131,971
110,164
157,710
117,618
128,155
19
85,913
101,355
102,087
78,235
114,600
113,789
106,922
20
89,700
86,192
48,204
115,962
98,362
100,536
102,969
21
48,630
151,950
61,420
104,330
78,110
110,220
99,409
22
54,500
108,000
83,000
70,000
138,000
46,000
78,400
23
28,420
33,220
33,230
23,870
40,130
29,850
31,738
24
12,292
34,501
33,912
33,314
31,525
29,210
30,725
25
26,040
23,520
27,690
27,560
21,930
29,740
26,961
26
15,107
25,422
26,762
32,323
21,520
23,653
24,747
27
20,030
25,520
22,010
18,240
24,770
21,930
22,044
28
2,500
20,000
1,931
16,714
14,000
14,000
14,543
29
11,801
11,646
11,745
11,891
11,814
11,742
11,793
30
11,240
11,629
11,426
11,432
11,496
11,451
11,461
31
7,645
7,927
8,021
7,676
7,731
7,785
7,747
32
1,620
2,496
2,651
3,417
4,588
6,864
5,492
33
1,073
1,163
969
1,510
3,172
5,691
4,099
34
2,598
2,600
2,609
2,623
2,620
2,617
2,619
35
2,598
2,600
2,609
2,623
2,620
2,617
2,619
36
3,960
1,976
3,100
920
2,440
1,310
1,571
37
784
809
740
640
572
687
643
38
610
776
985
839
304
497
508
39
279
307
295
412
492
382
421
40
116
119
116
117
117
117
117
41
0
30
0
20
20
20
20
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most olives in the world?
Spain is the world's largest olive producer with 5,101,010 tonnes in 2023, though production is highly volatile (3.9-9.8 million tonnes 2018-2023) due to alternate bearing (trees produce heavily one year, lightly the next) and weather. Italy ranks second with 2,397,880 tonnes, Turkey third with 1,520,000 tonnes. Spain dominates olive oil exports, producing 50% of global supply. Andalusia region, particularly Jaén province, is the world's olive oil capital. Spain grows primarily Picual variety for oil production in highly mechanized groves.
What's the difference between table olives and olive oil olives?
Most olive varieties can be used for both, but some are optimized: Oil olives (Picual, Arbequina, Koroneiki) have higher oil content (20-25%) and smaller size. Table olives (Manzanilla, Kalamata, Cerignola) are larger with more flesh and lower oil content. Processing differs completely—table olives are cured/brined to remove bitterness (raw olives are inedible!), oil olives are pressed within 24 hours of harvest. Green olives are picked unripe, black olives fully ripe. However, many "black olives" in cans are actually green olives artificially darkened with lye and oxygen—real ripe olives are purple-brown, not jet black! About 90% of olives become oil, 10% table olives.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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