The olive oil sector
Catalonia produces high quality olive oil protected by various designations of origin: Les Garrigues, Siurana, Baix Ebre-Montsià, Terra Alta and Empordà.
These olive oils stand out for their flavour, aroma and low acidity – qualities that are guaranteed by using top-class olives and mechanical production techniques that preserve the health and taste characteristics of the fruit.
Producers have researched and experimented to select the best olive trees with the utmost quality. Extra virgin olive oil falls into the premium category. This is a cooking oil with exceptional characteristics in terms of both health and gastronomy, as it is considered to be fundamental for a healthy diet and is also highly flavoursome.
Industry
In Catalonia, 108,000 hectares, or 14% of arable land, are used to grow olive trees, providing the raw material for an industry with potential: processing, packaging and marketing olive oil, accounting for almost 8% of agri-food turnover in Catalonia.
The most common variety of olive for oil processing is Arbequina, one of the most prized on international markets. Catalan companies also market other oils and blends of other varieties, such as Empeltre, Morruda, Sevillenca, Farga, Argudell, Corivell and Verdal. All varieties of olive produce excellent virgin oils, each with their own taste and aroma characteristics.
Exports
In 2022, the oil sector was positioned as the third exporting sector of the Catalan agri-food industry, in front of fruit and vegetables (which historically occupied this position) and totaling €1,433.68 M exported. Olive oil represents more than 35% of the business value of this sector (510.55 M€) and its exports have increased both in value and in volume, positively influenced by sales in the United States, where Catalonia has managed to regain its leadership positions in the oil market after overcoming the effects of tariffs.
Catalonia exports olive oil to 118 markets around the world. EU (with nearly 40% of the share) is the main market, followed by Latin America (17%) and Asia (16%). By country, Italy, USA, United Kingdom, Brazil and France are the main markets.
NEWS FROM SECTOR OLIVE OIL
07.06.26
Catalonia increases its agri-food exports by 6.62% and exceeds €11,000 M for the first time
In 2020, Catalonia's food sector reached a new export record and exceeded €11,000 M in international sales for the first time. Compared to the data of 2019, they have increased by 6.62% in value and 6.95% in volume, becoming the only economic sector that grows in exports.
07.06.26
The abolition of tariffs between the EU and the US, good news for the Catalan agri-food sector
The announcement of the abolition of tariffs between the EU and the US is very good news for Catalan companies that export food and beverages to the US, who see it as a first step to regain lost competitiveness in this key market for the agri-food industry.
07.06.26
Successful participation in the first Virtual Guided Tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Catalan DOP
Commemorating World Olive Day, last December 27 Prodeca organized the first virtual Guided Tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the collaboration of the five Catalan Protected Designations of Origin.