the olive blog

Global Olive Oil Statisics

The International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) is one source of statistics on production, consumption and prices paid to producers ( for prices - only Italy, Spain and Greece). Their report on the 2003-2004 crop is here.  The IOOC report that 2003-2004 production and consumption were the highest on record. An alternative source of data is the FAO reproduced by UNCTAD here.

Popcorn topped with olive oil

At Cinema Paradiso, in Miami Florida, patrons apparently enjoy organic popcorn topped with olive oil.

Australian Olive Import/Export Data

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, from the the Australian Olive Association site, tell an interesting story about the emergence of the Australian olive industry in the global market both as a purchaser and seller. Olives were one of the first commercial ventures undertaken, in places like South Australia in the mid 1800s, but for the most part Australia has been a large and growing net importer of olive oil. In 2004 Australia imported A$148 million worth of olive oil. This figure has more than doubled in the last decade. Exports, on the other hand, were A$2.3 million dollars in the same year. Exports are growing and markets appear to opening in China and and the USA.  The markets from which Australia imports most oil are Spain, A$76 million in 2004, followed by Italy A$60 million and Greece with A$6.6 million.  The figures for imports and exports of table olives are also available.

Buy Local or Trusted

Yet another case of adulterated oil passed of as the real thing. This time adulterated oil from Greece passed off as extra virgin olive oil in New York. Earlier case from this year here . Best advice is to buy fresh from small local producers or at least direct from producer.

Blogs and Olive Oil

A tool at the new Icerocket Search Engine allows users to see trends in the use of key words on blogs.  I put in "olive oil" and the results are here. The term is used on average in 0.03% of posts to blogs each day.

Turkish Olive Oil Exports Up

As well as wrestling in olive oil the Turks are exporting more of the stuff.

No Rain in Spain

Spain's drought is pushing up the price of olives in Europe. Reuters report the Spanish harvest is also being impacted by frosts.

Olive Bars

Fairly standard in France the number of olive bars are now increasing in California.

Olive Production in South Africa

Reuters is carrying an article on the production of olives and olive oil in South Africa.

Olive Oil and Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans, hummus and olive oil apparently make a convincing Bubertuber Pus.