As I am working with my OLYFO colleagues to craft our upcoming podcast script, I couldn’t resist sharing some valuable insights right here on my blog.

Seasonal Update

Before diving into the heart of the topic, let’s catch you up on our recent adventures. We embarked on a journey across the United States of America to attend the New York Summer Fancy Food Show 2023 and, upon returning to Tunisia, we found ourselves facing a severe heatwave with temperatures soaring as high as 58°C. Our farms needed our attention, and we couldn’t turn a blind eye to the challenge. That is what kept us busy way from the podcast and the blog recently. Now, as we gear up for the upcoming harvest season in mid-October 2023, it’s time to get back to business.

Rising Cost of Olive Oil

In recent times, headlines have been dominated by the increasing cost of olive oil. This phenomenon is driven by several factors, the first being climate change.

Unpredictable weather patterns, marked by droughts and wildfires, have taken their toll on olive-producing regions worldwide. The scarcity of water has impacted the health of olive trees and the quantity of olives they yield.

Italy, one of the leading olive oil producers, has also faced the challenge of Xylella fastidiosa, further affecting production. These combined factors have led to higher production costs, ultimately resulting in increased olive oil prices, affecting both producers and consumers alike.

For example, Tunisia is expected to have a harvest of around 170K tons, Spain is in the 600K Tons, while Italy and Greece are expected to have 50% less than usual. The price of Olive Oil in 2023 has moved from 5 Euros to 8.5 Euros the Kg in a period of 10 months.

Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

As the demand for olive oil rises along with its price, the market has become a breeding ground for fraud. Counterfeit products and misleading labels are increasingly common, but we’re here to empower you with knowledge.

The first step to safeguard yourself from olive oil fraud is to become an informed consumer. Conduct thorough research and opt for reputable brands and producers. Be a label detective, checking for certifications, origin labels, and key information such as the product’s origins, date of harvest, date of filling, and best-before date.

Additionally, developing tasting knowledge can help you distinguish between good and bad olive oils. Remember, price alone isn’t always an indicator of quality, so be cautious of unusually low prices. By staying informed and paying attention to details, you can protect yourself from falling victim to olive oil fraud.

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Now, let’s shift our focus to the positive side of olive oil—the incredible health benefits it offers. Beyond its delicious flavor, olive oil plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One of the most renowned health benefits is its ability to protect the heart. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, olive oil’s anti-inflammatory compounds can help manage conditions like arthritis. Olive oil’s benefits extend to brain health as well, with studies suggesting that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil may contribute to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Furthermore, the antioxidants in olive oil combat oxidative stress and free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of certain cancers.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this blog post, we invite you to join us on our upcoming adventures in the olive groves during the harvest season. I will try to share more about it starting in mid-October as we come back from the ANUGA Food Show in Cologne, Germany.