The growing consumption of olive oil in the world

Olive oil consumption has experienced a remarkable increase in recent decades, reflecting a global trend towards healthier diets. This phenomenon is not only evident in Mediterranean countries, where olive oil has traditionally been used, but also in regions where butter has historically been the fat of choice.

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The European gap in oil consumption

In Europe, there is a clear division between countries that prefer olive oil and those that opt for butter. According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), southern European countries, such as Spainthe southern European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal, have significantly higher olive oil consumption than their northern neighbors.

Mediterranean countries and their preference for olive oil consumption

Olive oil consumption in Mediterranean countries is a fundamental part of their daily diet, known as the Mediterranean Diet. This dietary pattern has been praised for its health benefits, especially with regard to cardiovascular health and longevity. Spain leads the world in production, contributing between 40 and 55% of global olive oil.

Global olive oil consumption statistics

Worldwide, more than three million tons of olive oil are consumed each year. This number has grown thanks to changes in consumption habits and the incorporation of olive oil in the diet of countries with large populations, such as China and the United States.

Main oil consuming countries

Source: Landgeist

The small country of San Marino surprises the world with its per capita olive oil consumption, reaching 24 liters per person per year. It is followed by Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal, although with smaller quantities.

This picture is best appreciated when comparing the percentage of production and global consumption of the Mediterranean countries. Spain produces 43% of the world's olive oil and consumes 19%; Italy, 14% and 21%; Greece, 10% and 7%; Portugal, 2% and 3%; Tunisia, 6% and 1.3%; and Turkey, 6% and 4%. In comparison, the United Kingdom and Germany lag far behind (2% each, with 1 and 0.8 liters per capita per year).

It is surprising that France, a country that is hardly Mediterranean and with a strong inclination towards Western European cultural traditions, has such a minority position. Also notable is the predominance of butter in the Balkan countries, which are very Mediterranean, such as Croatia or Montenegro.

Comparison with other vegetable oils

Despite its popularity and benefits, olive oil is not the most consumed vegetable oil in the world. This position is held by palm oil, with some 78 million tons consumed during the 2023/2024 marketing year, according to Statista.

Benefits of olive oil consumption

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, which provides great benefits for cardiovascular health. It also contains polyphenols, natural antioxidants that fight cellular aging, and vitamin D, a potent antioxidant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, olive oil consumption is not only a tradition rooted in Mediterranean countries, but it is also spreading globally due to its numerous health benefits. If you want to experience these benefits first hand, we invite you to visit our online store(www.cotobajo.es/tienda) and discover our exquisite Extra Virgin olive oil, produced in our own olive grove. Click and start enjoying a healthier life today!

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