Moez Ben Amor, Commercial Director at Tunisia’s National Olive Oil Office (ONH), announced on Monday, February 10, 2025, that Tunisia’s olive oil exports reached record levels in January 2025, totaling 42,000 tons compared to 22,000 tons in January 2024.
Speaking on a private radio station, he explained that from the start of the season in November through the end of January, Tunisia exported 84,000 tons of olive oil, generating revenues of approximately 1,202 million dinars. This marks an increase from the 61,000 tons exported during the same period the previous year, which had generated 1,590 million dinars in revenue.
Ben Amor attributed the surge in exports to a significant rise in national olive oil production this season, with estimates projecting 340,000 tons, up from 220,000 tons in the previous season.
He noted that while Europe remains the primary export destination, its share has declined over the years, now accounting for around 66% of Tunisia’s olive oil exports. This reduction is due to Tunisia’s efforts to diversify into other markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Russia. Currently, Tunisian olive oil is exported to 60 international destinations.
Ben Amor also highlighted that the ONH is actively working to penetrate new markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. He added that bulk olive oil exports currently account for 10% of total exports, and promotional programs are underway to increase this share.
Promoting Domestic Olive Oil Consumption
Regarding domestic promotion efforts, Ben Amor explained that the ONH has launched initiatives to boost the consumption of Tunisian olive oil within the country. Since December, the ONH has been supplying 5-liter cans of extra virgin olive oil to cooperatives and public sector associations, a program that has proven highly successful. He emphasized that this initiative is ongoing to meet growing demand.
Additionally, Tunisian olive oil is now available in major retail stores, with 1-liter cans priced at 12.5 dinars per liter and 3-liter cans at 34 dinars. According to Ben Amor, this offering has been well-received by Tunisian consumers, thanks to the superior quality of the olive oil provided by the ONH.
He also noted that the olive oil market is currently stable in terms of pricing, and the olive harvest has reached 85% of its target for this season.
