Top 20 Olive-Producing Countries (2022)

The humble olive, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine and culture, has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, olive production represents not just a culinary tradition but a significant economic sector for many countries. According to 2022 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global landscape of olive production reveals interesting patterns about which nations lead this ancient agricultural practice.

Top 20 Olive-Producing Countries (2022)

Mediterranean Leaders: The Olive Production Powerhouses

Spain stands as the undisputed global leader in olive production, harvesting an impressive 3,940,070 tonnes in 2022. This Mediterranean nation has perfected olive cultivation over centuries, with its climate and soil providing ideal conditions for olive trees to thrive. Spanish olive oils, particularly from regions like Andalusia, are celebrated worldwide for their quality and variety.

Greece follows in second place with 3,038,813 tonnes, demonstrating the continued importance of olive cultivation to the Greek economy and cultural identity. Türkiye completes the top three with 2,976,000 tonnes, showing the strength of olive production across different shores of the Mediterranean.

Italy, with its 2,160,400 tonnes of olive production, maintains its reputation for high-quality olive oils despite producing less volume than its Mediterranean neighbors. The country’s focus on premium, region-specific varieties has established Italian olive oil as a global standard for excellence.

North African Contribution to Olive Production

The data reveals the significant role North African countries play in global olive production. Morocco leads this region with 1,968,111 tonnes, followed by Tunisia (1,200,000 tonnes), Egypt (1,137,076 tonnes), and Algeria (822,974 tonnes). These figures highlight how olive cultivation has successfully expanded beyond Europe to flourish across the Mediterranean basin.

Emerging Producers and Global Reach

Perhaps surprisingly, countries like Saudi Arabia (388,200 tonnes) and Argentina (356,301 tonnes) have established themselves as notable olive producers despite not being traditionally associated with olive cultivation. This demonstrates how modern agricultural techniques have enabled olive production to extend beyond its historical boundaries.

Peru’s production of 226,942 tonnes illustrates the successful adaptation of olive cultivation to South American conditions, while Middle Eastern countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel collectively contribute over 440,000 tonnes to global production.

Economic and Cultural Significance

These production figures represent more than just agricultural output – they reflect thousands of years of cultural tradition and significant economic activity. For many of these countries, particularly those around the Mediterranean, olive cultivation provides rural employment, supports local economies, and maintains cultural heritage.

The olive industry also supports sustainability goals in many regions, as olive trees can thrive in poor soil conditions where other crops might fail, and many traditional growing methods require minimal irrigation.

Looking Forward

As climate change impacts agricultural patterns worldwide, olive-producing regions may face new challenges and opportunities. Research into drought-resistant varieties and sustainable farming practices continues to evolve, ensuring this ancient crop remains viable for future generations.

The 2022 data confirms that while olive production remains concentrated around the Mediterranean basin, its global footprint continues to expand, bringing this versatile fruit and its precious oil to markets worldwide.

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2022