Italian olive oil sector faces crisis amid rising costs

The Italian olive oil sector is facing a severe crisis as the new harvest season approaches. Industry associations, including Confagricoltura and AFOCC, warn that high production and transformation costs, combined with falling prices and high existing stocks, are threatening the economic viability of many producers and mills.

In Calabria, the AFOCC (Associazione Frantoi Oleari Calabria Citra) has warned of potential shutdowns if urgent government intervention is not provided. The association is calling for a crisis meeting with regional and ministerial authorities to address the gap between rising expenses and low market returns. To stabilize the supply chain, they have proposed creating a digital platform for real-time transparency of oil quality and quantity, as well as organized commercial actions to target new domestic and international markets.

If the current trend continues, the reduction in Italian production could lead to decreased availability and higher consumer prices, potentially turning extra virgin olive oil into a luxury product.