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Consumption of Salento Oil: the Gold of Salento in increasing demand

The consumption of Salento olive oil worldwide is increasing, with strong demand for exports of what can be considered green gold

Olive oil: an increasingly sought-after product

The Mediterranean diet, declared in 2010 as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO, is gaining more and more support around the globe as it is a healthy eating regime that does not jeopardize the cardiovascular system. The cornerstone of this diet is extra virgin olive oil: the healthiest condiment on the market, which protects the heart and arteries, helps increase levels of good cholesterol which in turn counteracts bad cholesterol, and has significant anti-cancer properties.

This trend of rising Salento olive oil consumption is confirmed by Coldiretti, which has analyzed oil consumption over time. Let’s take it step by step. The data shows that over the past 25 years, the worldwide demand for oil has increased by 73%, a record confirmed in 2016. Coldiretti has confirmed an increase of 8% in Italian olive oil exports. However, it is important to emphasize that despite a decline in production in 2016, Italians increased their consumption by 8%, a sign that they love to eat well and are rediscovering the value of genuine products.

In fact, the ISTAT has linked the rediscovery of healthy eating to the increase in the life expectancy of Italians, which today stands at 82 years.

What are the global olive oil consumption trends?

Olive oil represents only 3% of global vegetable fat consumption; in Italy, average olive oil consumption is around 581 thousand tons per year, with a per capita consumption of 12 kg annually. This indicates that Italian production cannot meet the national demand for oil. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when purchasing, as what might be sold as Salento olive oil could also be a low-quality product made from various seeds or imported olives, especially from Tunisia, Spain, and Greece. These do not have the same nutritional values as Salento extra virgin olive oil. To avoid fraud, if you wish to increase your Salento oil consumption, it is best to buy directly from the producer.

In Spain, the world’s leading producer of olive oil, consumption is around only 490 thousand tons, with a per capita consumption of 10 kg annually.

The Greeks, with an annual consumption of 200 thousand tons, hold the world record for per capita consumption, which stands around 20 kg annually.

Olive oil consumption trends

Who imports Italian olive oil?

The countries that import the most are Japan, China, and the United States, with an increase in demand that is 18% in China. This increase is also driven by improved economic conditions in the country and a desire to start eating well, with particular attention to health and quality of life. In this regard, the specific nutritional properties have led to an increase in the consumption of Salento olive oil.

The United States ranks third among olive oil consumers, after Italy and Spain, with 308 thousand tons per year, showing a 20% increase in oil consumption over 25 years. Confirming this data, one-third of Italian olive oil exports go primarily to the United States.

Japan has olive oil consumption of 60 thousand tons per year, with a consumption increase of 1400% in 25 years, the United Kingdom 59 thousand tons, Germany 58, but significant increases in demand are also noted in Brazil, Russia, and France.

The consumption of Salento olive oil

Where does the imported oil from various countries come from? Obviously, Italy cannot cover the world’s entire demand, but those in search of quality want Salento olive oil. Statistics show that Salento oil consumption is increasing, which is evident considering that Puglia holds the production record in Italy with over 242 thousand tons of oil in 2015. The numbers for 2016, as known, are disheartening, but the forecasts for 2017-18 expect an increase in production that should be steady over time. The decline in production in 2016 does not, however, affect the total figure, which shows Puglia producing almost half of the oil made in all of Italy.

Salento olive oil consumption is increasing not only in Italy; indeed, Coldiretti recorded a 9% increase in export demand for Salento olive oil during the past olive oil campaign, making it the third most exported product from the region. The data is encouraging, and Salento olive oil consumption could rise further as Coldiretti estimates a production increase of 18.8% for the year 2017/18.

If you want to ensure you are consuming genuine Salento olive oil, simply book the new oil from the Schirinzi oil mill, made only from Salento olives and cold-pressed to preserve all the oil’s properties.

Here’s how to order Salento olive oil.

Discover our tips on why you should use only extra virgin olive oil and buy the oil directly from the mill!

BASIC OIL TASTING KIT

FREE ORDER

The KIT is a sample pack of 2 bottles of extra virgin olive oil: Fruity and Balanced. You only pay €16.50 for shipping from Italy
Tasting kit of Puglian extra virgin olive oil from Salento, free of charge, complimentary
Tasting kit of Puglian extra virgin olive oil from Salento, free of charge, complimentary
BASIC OIL TASTING KIT

FREE ORDER

The KIT is a sample pack of 2 bottles of extra virgin olive oil: Fruity and Balanced. You only pay €16.50 for shipping from Italy