13/10/2019
Olive Oil - KEY FACTS AND FIGURES:
Olive trees occupy an area of 563 km2 in Lebanon, which represents 5.4% of the country’s territory, or 8% of total agricultural lands.
Lebanese olive trees are on average 150 years old, and are mostly rain fed (Only 8% of the olives cultivated area is irrigated, the rest is rain fed).
Around 70% of the olive trees are destined to the production of olive oil, and the remaining ones are destined to the production of table olives.
The oil productivity of the olives in Lebanon ranges from 18-25%.
Around 41% of olive oil production takes place in the North of Lebanon, followed by Nabatieh with 21% of total production, 15% in the South, 13% in the Bekaa and 10% in Mount Lebanon.
In 2017, olive oil production reached 23,000 tons growing by a CAGR of 4.66 % between 2011 and 2017.
In 2017 olive oil exports reached 7,703 tons and increased at a CAGR of 9.03% during the period 2014-2017.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Olive oil is amongst the most prominent Lebanese signature agro-industrial products, and a proud part of the country's history and culinary tradition.
Lebanon's diverse topography, fertile soil, microclimates, and olive varieties allow farmers to produce uniquely flavored products.
Olive oil is one of the few agro-industries to post an external trade surplus in 2017.
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES:
There are growth opportunities in the production of extra virgin olive oil from new varieties of olive such as Barnea (Senolia), Frantoio and other olive varieties obtained through new breeding techniques.
Flavored olive oils with different herbs and spices are becoming popular and represent a good investment opportunity in the Lebanese market.
