Tunisian Olive Oil, Third Largest Exporter in the World

Tunisian Olive Oil

Tunisia has established itself as the world’s third-largest olive oil exporter, an achievement that underscores the vital importance of this sector to the national economy. Exports of Tunisian olive oil generated 4.5 billion dinars in the first eight months of 2025, representing a significant 53% of the country’s agri-food exports across 66 international markets. The olive sector is fundamental, covering one-third of agricultural land and providing full or partial income to over 309,000 producers.

To consolidate its global position, Tunisia has launched an ambitious national promotion program for 2026. The primary goal is to strengthen the presence of Tunisian olive oil in international markets and diversify its export destinations. This program includes an intense communication strategy, with media materials and an advertising campaign promoting the “Made in Tunisia” label. Furthermore, a National Prize for the best bottled Tunisian olive oil for the 2025-2026 campaign will be introduced.

The initiative seeks to expand export markets to priority destinations such as China, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Gulf countries, in addition to targeting Sub-Saharan Africa and Russia. Plans are in place to maximize the product’s visibility by early reservation of national pavilions at key trade fairs.

Historically, the Tunisian government has promoted high-quality Tunisian olive oil through agri-food investments and innovative marketing, focusing on the shift from mass production to bottled oils. Training programs have encouraged environmentally sustainable production, enhancing biosafety and product quality.

Recent results are promising: in the first months of 2025, exports of Tunisian olive oil reached 280,000 tons, valued at 3.75 billion dinars, constituting more than 50% of agricultural and food exports. In November 2024, export revenues rose by 16.6% to 281 million dinars, thanks to a 47% increase in exported volumes (14,781 tons), despite a 20.6% drop in prices. Exports of bottled Tunisian olive oil experienced a 30% growth, totaling 2,500 tons valued at 67 million dinars. The new 2026 program seeks to solidify Tunisia’s global status and support local producers in accessing high-value export markets, driving sustainable economic development in the sector.