Olive oil exports record 225% jump in 2002-20

Exports of standardized Greek olive oil to European Union countries and non-EU countries grew a spectacular 225% in the 2002-20 period, totaling 52,735 tons, from 14,851 tons in 2002, the Greek Association of Olive Oil Producers (SEVITEL) said in a report on Tuesday.

The report, based on data collected by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade), showed that exports of standardized Greek olive oil to EU countries totaled 31,655 tons in 2020, from 7,561 tons in 2002, up 319%, while exports to third countries rose 189% to 7,290 tons.

In 2020, exports to EU countries rose 17.5% totaling 26,872 tons compared with 2019. Germany was the biggest importer of Greek olive oil, with 14,907 tons in 2020, followed by the UK (2,698), Austria (2,578), France (2,032), Belgium (1,463), Sweden (1,385) and Cyprus (1,209).

Among third countries, the US ranked first with 9,143 tons, followed by Canada (1,851), Australia (1,773) and Russia (1,218).