Olive oil production in Tunisia estimated at 180,000 tonnes

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Tunisia - Olive oil production in the current season is estimated at 180,000 tonnes of olive oil and 1.2 million tonnes of olive, compared to 240,000 tonnes of olive oil last season, according to statistics provided by the Agriculture Ministry.

Data provided by the National Olive Oil Office (ONH), showed the volume of production achieved during this season represents 15% of the national average for the last decade (211,000 tonnes of oil).

The geographical breakdown of olive oil production shows Tunisia’s Midwest (Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan and Kasserine) ranks first with a production of 76,000 tonnes of olive oil, or 42% of domestic production.

It is followed by the northern regions with 25% of domestic production, then the southern regions with 14% and the coastal regions with 10% and finally the governorate of Sfax with 8% of domestic production.

The Governorate of Sidi Bouzid ranks first in Tunisia with a production of 38,000 tonnes of olive oil, or an average of 21% of the overall volume of production during this season.

The domestic olive harvest barely advanced by 97% until February 15, 2023. It oscillates between 98% in the North, 100% in the coastal areas, 95% in the Midwest, 95% in Sfax and 100% in the South.

The rate of oil extraction in most governorates fluctuates between 18 and 26%, i.e. a national average of 22%.

The number of oil mills open until February 15 reached 443 units.