Spain updates olive oil quality standards amid market regulation warnings

The Spanish government has approved a royal decree to modify quality standards for olive and olive pomace oils. The measure aims to enhance the competitiveness of the sector and strengthen consumer confidence by improving the tracking and identification of products, including imported oils. This initiative seeks to preserve the authenticity and quality of Spain's olive oil, a key component of its agri-food sector.

Separately, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has issued a warning regarding proposed marketing regulations for the 2026/27 campaign. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food plans to introduce a mechanism to withdraw olive oil from the market if supply significantly exceeds demand to prevent market overflow. The CNMC warns that such supply restrictions could pose risks to competition and consumers by potentially increasing prices and reducing product variety, particularly impacting lower-income households.