Why are the new regions of southern Argentina achieving world-class extra virgin olive oil?
Argentina's EVOO sector is undergoing a historic transformation thanks to the expansion of olive growing into Patagonia, a phenomenon driven by climate change and the need to seek alternative territories.
Historically concentrated in warm provinces like Catamarca and La Rioja, where high temperatures can negatively affect international quality, national production now finds an unprecedented competitive advantage in extreme cold .
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Towns in Santa Cruz such as Los Antiguos and Puerto Deseado currently represent the southernmost latitudes in the world to test this ancient crop, joining projects already consolidated in Chubut (Puerto Madryn, Rawson, Trelew, Dolavon and Camarones), Río Negro (Viedma, Las Grutas and Ministro Ramos Mexía) and Neuquén (Añelo, Centenario and Rincón de los Sauces).
Scientifically, the low temperatures and cool-temperate climate of the southern region favor a slower and more stable ripening of the fruit , which generates higher levels of oleic acid and balanced chemical profiles fundamental for the category of high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
This advance has solid international scientific backing through the study "Olive planting effort in Patagonia", coordinated by Víctor Tomaselli and presented at the World Congress of Oils and Fats with the participation of experts from Greece and Spain.
Furthermore, institutions such as the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI) have already certified the success of these crops in northern Patagonia, validating their technical viability. To consolidate this premium production hub, genetic rescue efforts are underway to register with the National Seed Institute (INASE) mother plants that have naturally survived Patagonian frosts for decades—an irreplaceable strategic asset.
Finally, integration into the International Olive Tree Alliance (IOTA) and ties with global specialists seek to establish future Designations of Origin that not only position this exclusive product in the most demanding markets in the world, but also promote economic development, rural roots and diversification of the productive matrix in Argentine Patagonia.
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Extra virgin olive oil from Argentina: Mendoza, one of the best in the world
Argentina has established itself at the forefront of the international olive oil industry thanks to the excellence of its production, led by the prestigious extra virgin olive oil from Mendoza . A renowned global ranking placed a company from this province above traditional Mediterranean producers such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, marking a historic milestone for olive growing in Latin America.
The driving force behind this achievement is the historic Olivícola Laur , located in Cruz de Piedra, Maipú. This Mendoza-based company, founded in 1889, was recognized as the world's number one EVOO producer in the EVOO World Ranking for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). This accolade validates a history of artisanal quality combined with cutting-edge technology, accumulating more than 624 international awards over the past decade.
Mendoza's extra virgin olive oil (EVOO ) stands out not only for its premium quality, with an annual production exceeding 600 tons , but has also become a powerful driver of gastronomic tourism . The Laur estate offers comprehensive experiences that include guided tours of centuries-old olive groves, visits to the olive mill, and tastings led by specialists to learn about the production process in detail.
Currently, this outstanding product from Mendoza is successfully exported to highly demanding markets, including the United States, China, South Korea, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. This phenomenon reaffirms the value of the province's terroir , whose climatic and geographical characteristics allow for the production of high-end extra virgin olive oils, definitively positioning Argentine EVOO as a global powerhouse in the sector.
