Growth in Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The increasing global recognition of extra virgin olive oil as a health powerhouse is a major catalyst for market growth. Packed with monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, premium extra virgin olive oil is seeing heightened demand from health-conscious consumers and gourmet food enthusiasts alike.

Regions like Spain, Italy, and Greece, long celebrated for their premium olive oils, are maintaining their dominance. Yet, new players like Australia and Turkey are entering the scene, offering high-quality products and intensifying competition among global suppliers of olive oil.

Consumers are also gravitating toward flavoured extra virgin olive oils that incorporate ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs. This reflects a growing desire for versatile oils that enhance both nutrition and taste. For businesses, offering these specialty products in bulk through olive oil wholesale channels is proving to be a lucrative opportunity.

Why Consumers Choose Premium Oils

The preference for extra virgin olive oil over refined versions stems from its purity and nutrient profile. Unlike heavily processed alternatives, extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, retaining its natural qualities. Suppliers of olive oil are meeting the demand by promoting their products’ authenticity and origin, which are strong selling points for discerning buyers.

If you’re browsing olive oil for sale, look for certifications like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). These labels guarantee the oil’s quality and geographical origin, ensuring you’re investing in a top-notch product.

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword in the olive oil market; it’s a foundational element of consumer and industry priorities. With the climate crisis threatening olive production in traditional regions, suppliers of olive oil are adopting eco-friendly farming practices to secure the industry’s future. This includes organic cultivation, water-efficient farming, and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.

Additionally, initiatives to improve sustainability are being embraced across the supply chain. For instance, many companies offering olive oil wholesale are switching to recyclable packaging and environmentally responsible distribution methods. Such efforts resonate with consumers who are willing to pay a premium for brands aligning with their values.

How Businesses Are Adapting

Businesses involved in olive oil wholesale are using technology to meet these sustainability goals. Precision agriculture tools allow farmers to monitor soil health and water usage, while blockchain systems offer traceability, so buyers can track their oil from grove to bottle. By ensuring transparency, suppliers build trust and loyalty among eco-conscious customers.

For retailers and distributors, sourcing sustainable options from trusted suppliers of olive oil is becoming not just an ethical choice but a competitive necessity.

Innovations in Packaging

One of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of the olive oil market is packaging. Smart packaging innovations are not only enhancing the shelf life of olive oil by reducing exposure to air and light but also providing additional value to consumers. QR codes and NFC-enabled bottles are now being used to offer detailed information about the oil’s origin, nutritional profile, and sustainability certifications.

Another trend dominating the industry is the move towards smaller, single-use packs. These packs are designed for individual consumers or small households, allowing olive oil to retain its freshness over time. Suppliers of olive oil are adapting to this trend by offering diverse packaging options in their olive oil wholesale programs, ensuring that retailers can cater to varied customer needs.

Rising Imports and New Markets

Market data reveals that the United States imported 99,033 tons of olive oil between October 2024 and February 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates the strong and sustained appetite for high-quality olive oil in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The global volume of olive oil imports into the U.S., across all grades, reached 309,344 tons during the same period, underscoring the importance of international trade to the market’s growth.

The European Union remains the leading supplier to the U.S., responsible for over 252,000 tons annually. This dominance illustrates the growing reliance of American markets on Mediterranean suppliers. However, price fluctuations are becoming a concern. While the average export price for extra virgin olive oil was €6.96/kg in February 2025, it marks a significant 31.9% decline from the previous year. These shifts underline the need for both consumers and businesses to remain adaptive in a volatile market.