Malaga province achieved a remarkable milestone in olive oil exports during the first ten months of last year, with sales soaring by 50% to an unprecedented 593 million euros.
This surge places Malaga as the third-highest exporter of olive oil in Andalucía, trailing only Seville and Cordoba, according to recent data from Andalucía Trade, part of the regional government's Ministry of Economy, Finance, and European Funds.
Malaga's share of Andalucía’s total olive oil exports stands at 15.3%. Seville leads with 1.98 billion euros (51% of the region's exports), followed by Cordoba with 676 million euros (17.4%).
Key export destinations
The United States emerged as the top market for Malaga's olive oil, importing 202 million euros’ worth, which constitutes 34% of the province's total exports and marks a 56% year-on-year increase. European markets also saw substantial growth:
Italy: 98 million euros (+21.8%)
France: 63 million euros (+10.7%)
Germany: 49 million euros (+8.3%)
Netherlands: 27.5 million euros, nearly doubling (+97%)
Explosive Growth in Asia and Eastern Europe
China recorded a staggering 222% increase in olive oil imports from Malaga, totaling 16.2 million euros and tripling its purchases. Eastern European markets also experienced exponential growth:
Serbia: 2 million euros (+2,182.9%)
Poland: 8.5 million euros (+344.2%)
Czech Republic: 2.7 million euros (+319.9%)
Hungary: 3 million euros (+247.2%)
In total, Malaga exported olive oil to 61 countries during this period. By continent, Europe accounted for the largest share of purchases (327 million euros, 55%), followed by the Americas (208 million euros, 35%), Asia (51 million euros, 8.6%), and Oceania (795,000 euros).
Extra virgin olive oil leads the charge
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) dominated exports, comprising 81% of Malaga’s total olive oil sales.
Andalucía: a global powerhouse
Malaga’s achievements contributed to Andalucía’s record-breaking olive oil export total of 3.98 billion euros between January and October 2024, representing a 46% year-on-year increase. This figure surpassed the region's total olive oil sales for the entirety of 2023.
Andalucía now solidifies its position as a global leader in olive oil exports, accounting for 69% of Spain’s total, with nearly three out of every four euros of Spanish olive oil exports originating from the region.
Economic impact
As the leading product in Andalucía’s agri-food sector, olive oil plays a critical role in the region’s economy. Olive oil exports outpace imports by 3.8 times, contributing to a positive trade balance of nearly 2.87 billion euros, according to Andalucía Trade. Photo by Poyraz 72, Wikimedia commons.