Title: There Is No Olive Oil Shortage
Headings: There Is No Olive Oil Shortage
There Is No Olive Oil Shortage
Content: When you compare the 2018 crop to the rolling 5 year average, production in the EU is actually up by 4% and globally by 2%. Lower than expected yield in Italy has been offset by production in Spain, which produced over 1.5 million tons in 2018, a 25% increase from 2017. This is consistent trends across the industry; lower crop yield in one corner of Europe or North America does not indicate a larger, imminent shortage. Olive farmers are well versed in the cultivation of this alternate bearing fruit. Production typically moves through a biennial cycle with low yield years offset by high ones. Farmers will often employ specific techniques to mitigate these swings and ensure that they are able to produce consistently. European and North American brands alike import oils from multiple countries. Many brands found in supermarkets are blended from olive oil from more than one country. ( Pro tip, check the label on the back of the bottle to see where you olive oil comes from).