Tunisia is anticipating a historic olive oil season for 2025, with production estimated to reach 500,000 tonnes.
This output is expected to propel the country to become the second-largest global producer and exporter, positioning it just behind Spain amid a tightening international market.
Agricultural expert Faouzi Zayani highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming harvest, calling the 2025 season “historic.” Global olive oil production is projected to be approximately 2.7 million tonnes, while consumption is set to exceed 3 million tonnes. This disparity creates a global deficit estimated at between 10 and 12 percent.
Tunisia’s exceptional performance is partly attributed to the difficulties faced by the world’s leading producer, Spain, whose yields have been significantly reduced by a prolonged drought and adverse climatic conditions.
Zayani emphasized that demand for Tunisian oil will be strong not only because of the available volume but also due to the consistent quality of the production. He noted the country’s ancestral expertise and reputation on international markets, particularly in blending operations where Tunisian oil is used to enhance the quality of other oils.
Olive oil exports are already a vital component of the Tunisian economy, representing more than 40 percent of the country’s agricultural revenue. This record harvest provides a critical boost as the national economy contends with rising food imports and the depreciation of the dinar, further consolidating the sector’s international position through ongoing promotion and labeling efforts.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA