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Olive oil is one of the most culturally rich and economically important agricultural commodities globally. While its roots stretch back millennia in the Mediterranean basin<\/em>, its modern production now spans continents\u2014from Europe and Africa to the Americas and Asia. In 2026, the global olive oil industry continues to show resilience, innovation, and adaptation to climate pressures, technological advances, and shifting agricultural investment.<\/p>\n According to the International Olive Council (IOC)<\/strong> forecasts and other recent production estimates, Spain remains the unrivaled leader<\/strong>, with North African and Mediterranean rivals growing in prominence. Notably, Tunisia is projected to rise to second place<\/strong>, surpassing Italy and other traditional producers. <\/span><\/p>\n Below, we count down the top 20 countries by olive oil output in 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Spain has dominated global olive oil production for decades and remains the world\u2019s largest producer by a substantial margin<\/strong>. Spanish production accounts for well over one-third of the global total. It benefits from extensive groves in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura, coupled with high-density planting and efficient milling infrastructure. Spain\u2019s agricultural policies and export networks have boosted its competitive edge, maintaining volumes above a million tonnes annually. <\/span><\/p>\n Key Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n Vast cultivated area and climatic suitability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Advanced milling and export logistics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong varietal diversity (e.g., Picual, Hojiblanca, Arbequina)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In a major shift anticipated for 2025\/26, Tunisia is expected to overtake traditional powerhouses like Italy<\/strong> to become the second-largest olive oil producer in the world. Favorable weather and strong agricultural growth are behind this surge, with projections suggesting production around 450,000 tonnes<\/strong> or more. This milestone reflects significant investment in olive cultivation and irrigation in North Africa. <\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n Massive expansion of high-yield groves<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong export focus to Europe and beyond<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Increasing international recognition for quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Italy is historically one of the most famous olive oil producers globally, known for premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In 2026 forecasts, Italy remains a top-three producer, with volumes close to 300,000 tonnes<\/strong><\/em>. Italy\u2019s olive oil output is defined by small-scale craftsmanship and officially protected regional origins, including well-known areas such as Tuscany and Puglia.<\/span><\/p>\n Italian Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n Wide range of distinct regional olive oil profiles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n High value-added products and strong export brands<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Intensive focus on quality and traceability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n T\u00fcrkiye continues to be a major producer in the Mediterranean basin. Despite variations due to alternate bearing cycles and climate, T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s planted area and investment in olive mills have kept it among the top producers globally. Forecasts place T\u00fcrkiye solidly within the top five in 2026. <\/span><\/p>\n Greece is not only one of the world\u2019s most iconic olive oil cultures but also a leading producer. Greek olive oil is highly prized for its rich flavor profiles and high antioxidant content, especially from varieties like Koroneiki. Greece\u2019s production estimates still place it among the top five to six producers. <\/span><\/p>\n Portugal is a significant European producer with a long tradition of olive cultivation, especially in Alentejo and Tr\u00e1s-os-Montes regions. Portuguese olive oil production has been growing steadily, and in 2026 it remains one of the top ten globally. <\/span><\/p>\n Morocco\u2019s olive oil industry continues to expand as part of agricultural diversification. Investment in irrigation and export programs has helped Moroccan producers boost annual output, keeping the country in the upper tier of global producers. <\/span><\/p>\n Algeria is consistently among the top producers in Africa. Although its production volumes are typically lower than leading Mediterranean producers, Algeria has a rediscovered focus on olive oil as part of local food security and export strategies. <\/span><\/p>\n Before recent conflicts, Syria was a major olive producer with deep agricultural traditions. Despite challenges, olive cultivation persists and remains significant in the region\u2019s agriculture. In recent rankings, Syria\u2019s olive oil output placed it comfortably among the world\u2019s top 10. <\/span><\/p>\n Egypt\u2019s olive oil production is smaller than its Mediterranean neighbors but still noteworthy. The country\u2019s agricultural reforms and expansion of olive groves contribute to consistent output, with Egypt frequently appearing around the top ten list. <\/span><\/p>\n While the following countries typically produce less olive oil than the top 10, their 2026 contributions are significant enough<\/strong> to earn them places in the global top 20:<\/p>\n Argentina is the leading producer in South America. While total output is modest compared to Mediterranean giants, the country\u2019s growing olive oil sector benefits from expanding groves and increasing domestic demand. <\/span><\/p>\n Jordan has a long history of olive cultivation, with olives deeply embedded in national cuisine and culture. Although recent climate stress has challenged harvests, Jordan\u2019s historic production levels earn it a place in the top 20. <\/span><\/p>\n Chile has developed a competitive olive oil industry, especially in premium and export markets. The country\u2019s Mediterranean-like climate in central regions fosters quality oil production. <\/span><\/p>\n Lebanon\u2019s olive oil sector may be smaller than larger producers but is known for artisanal and high-quality oils. Production from traditional groves in mountainous regions places it among notable global producers. <\/span><\/p>\n Israel\u2019s olive oil industry combines traditional agricultural techniques with modern milling technology. While volumes are moderate, consistent production secures its place among the top 20. <\/span><\/p>\n Libya\u2019s olive cultivation stretches back centuries. Despite regional challenges, the country maintains a steady level of production compared with other North African states. <\/span><\/p>\n The United States (especially California) has seen rapid growth<\/em> in olive oil production over recent years. Though still small compared to Mediterranean leaders, the U.S. now ranks among the top 20 producers in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n Albania\u2019s olive oil output has increased significantly over the past decade as producers adopt modern orchard techniques and enter export markets. <\/span><\/p>\n Australia\u2019s olive oil industry has steadily grown, particularly in premium and boutique segments. Regions like South Australia and Victoria produce award-winning extra virgin olive oils. <\/span><\/p>\n Iran has expanded its olive oil production significantly, diversifying agricultural regions suited to olive cultivation. Its role as a top-20 producer underscores how olive oil is no longer a strictly Mediterranean agro-product. <\/span><\/p>\n The most noteworthy trend in 2026 is Tunisia\u2019s rise to second place worldwide<\/strong>, a sign that North African producers can now rival long-established European producers at scale<\/strong>. This shift reflects both climate suitability for olives and focused agricultural modernization. <\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, Spain\u2019s production remains dominant<\/strong>, accounting for roughly a third or more of global olive oil volumes, even amid climate variability and occasional drought conditions affecting Andalusia and other producing regions. <\/span><\/p>\n While quantity matters for global rankings, quality<\/em> has become equally important. Countries like Greece, Italy, Australia, and Chile<\/strong> punch above their production weight in global markets thanks to award-winning extra virgin olive oils sought by premium consumers.<\/p>\n This shift toward quality\u2014alongside traditional volume producers\u2014illustrates a more nuanced olive oil industry<\/em> in 2026.<\/p>\n The olive oil industry is highly sensitive to climate change<\/strong>. Heatwaves, droughts, and variable rainfall, particularly in the Mediterranean basin, have impacted yields in countries like Greece, Jordan, and parts of Spain. This reinforces the importance of irrigation planning, drought-resistant cultivars, and adaptive farming methods in future production strategies. <\/span><\/p>\n Understanding the top olive oil producers<\/strong> gives insight into:<\/p>\n Global food markets:<\/strong> Where oils are sourced and how supply changes affect pricing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Trade flows:<\/strong> Export trends into major markets like the EU, US, and Asia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cultural agriculture:<\/strong> How ancient crop traditions adapt to modern economics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These production figures are more than statistics\u2014they reflect economic livelihoods, agricultural strategies, and culinary traditions influencing markets worldwide.<\/p>\n In 2026, the olive oil production landscape<\/strong> blends deep historical traditions with contemporary shifts. Spain remains the unrivaled leader, while Tunisia\u2019s ascent<\/strong> marks a significant re-balancing in global production. Southern Europe, North Africa, and emerging producers across the Americas and Asia contribute to a diversified and resilient global olive oil industry.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a consumer, producer, exporter, or foodie, understanding this ever-evolving ranking helps you appreciate not only where olive oil comes from, but how global agriculture adapts to new challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Top 20 Olive Oil Producing Countries in the World in 2026 Olive oil is one of the most culturally rich and economically important agricultural commodities globally. While its roots stretch back millennia in the Mediterranean basin, its modern production now spans continents\u2014from Europe and Africa to the Americas and Asia. In 2026, the global olive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economics"],"yoast_head":"\n1. Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Tunisia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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3. Italy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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4. Turkey (T\u00fcrkiye)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Greece<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Portugal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
7. Morocco<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Algeria<\/strong><\/h2>\n
9. Syria<\/strong><\/h2>\n
10. Egypt<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Honorable Mentions: Emerging and Growing Producers<\/h2>\n
11. Argentina<\/strong><\/h2>\n
12. Jordan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
13. Chile<\/strong><\/h2>\n
14. Lebanon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
15. Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
16. Libya<\/strong><\/h2>\n
17. United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n
18. Albania<\/strong><\/h2>\n
19. Australia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
20. Iran<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Global Production Trends in 2026<\/h1>\n
Shifting Leadership<\/h3>\n
Diversification and Quality Growth<\/h3>\n
Climate and Agricultural Risks<\/h3>\n
Why This Ranking Matters<\/h1>\n
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