Olive oil producers face crisis as prices plummet across Europe

olive oil prices agricultural crisis Spain Greece Italy

Olive oil producers in Spain, Greece, and Italy are facing a severe economic crisis as market prices drop significantly due to high production volumes and existing stocks. In Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture reports that over 102% of the production has already been commercialized, with prices for extra virgin olive oil approaching 3 euros per kilo, a drop of one euro compared to last year.

In Greece, producer prices for extra virgin olive oil have fallen below the 4 euro threshold, with forecasts suggesting a further drop to 3.50 euros per kilo. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Associazione Mastri Oleari has warned that rising costs for fuel and labor, combined with falling oil prices, are making harvests economically unsustainable. Italian stocks of olive oil remain high, with approximately 195,044 tonnes in national reserves.

To stabilize the market, Spanish entities and Dcoop are considering the activation of EU self-regulation mechanisms to temporarily withdraw surplus oil from the market. In Spain, agricultural organizations like ASAJA Córdoba are calling for investigations into prices paid for table olives, which have fallen below production costs in several regions.

Entities

AICA · ASAJA · ASAJA Córdoba · Antonio Luque · Associazione Mastri Oleari · COAG · Dcoop · Ministry of Agriculture · Spain

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The contraction of oil prices is impacting the value of olives, while rising fuel and labor costs increase expenses. lucerabynight.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Data from the Ministry of Agriculture shows that over 102% of Spain's olive oil production has already been commercialized. coagjaen.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The association is requesting a temporary suspension of extra virgin olive oil imports from non-EU countries. lucerabynight.it
[● 2 SOURCES] ASAJA Córdoba reports that green Hojiblanca olive prices are below the production cost of 0.75 euros per kilo. www.agroclm.com · www.elblogsalmon.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Unión de Extremadura estimates potential losses for the Spanish sector could reach 220 million euros. www.elblogsalmon.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dcoop President Antonio Luque claims the proposed olive oil marketing regulation is simple and benefits all stakeholders. www.agropopular.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Greek producer prices for extra virgin olive oil are currently between 3.70 and 3.90 euros per kilo. cretaone.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Italy has a national olive oil stock of 195,044 tonnes as of September 30, 2026. www.olio-extra-vergine.it