While Greece has spent 2026 managing a tight olive oil market, Tunisia has stepped into the gap as a increasingly important source of supply for buyers across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Greece’s squeeze
Market reporting from early 2026 described the Greek olive oil sector as under real pressure: low production volumes and elevated acidity levels limited the availability of high-grade extra virgin oil, pushing most commercial trade toward lower-grade lampante and pomace oils instead. Packers leaned on carried-over stock from the previous season, with some oils approaching acidity limits — and Greece’s organic sector was especially constrained.
Tunisia’s opening
Against that backdrop, international buyers — including from Italy, Spain, and the United States — turned to Tunisian oil to offset the Greek shortfall and secure organic and bulk volumes at competitive prices. Early-season projections put Tunisia’s harvest near 450,000 tonnes; by the time the season closed, the final figure had climbed to roughly 500,000 tonnes, cementing Tunisia’s position as the world’s second-largest olive oil producer behind Spain.
FAQ
Is this shift temporary or structural? Both dynamics are in play — Greece’s shortage reflects this season’s weather and yield, while Tunisia’s growth reflects a longer investment in production capacity and export infrastructure that isn’t going away next season.
What does this mean for buyers currently sourcing from Greece? It’s a reason to diversify sourcing rather than switch entirely — Tunisian oil has filled real gaps in 2026, but supply agreements are still best built on direct, verified relationships rather than opportunistic buying.
Source: Wikifarmer