Hey everyone,
I wanted to open up a space to talk about what’s happening right now in the olive oil world — because the industry is changing fast, and it’s actually a super exciting (and sometimes complicated) time to be an EVOO lover.
Here are a few big trends I’m seeing lately:
Climate Change Is Reshaping Everything
Extreme weather — droughts, floods, temperature spikes — is putting huge pressure on olive growers, especially in traditional regions like Spain, Italy, and Greece.
→ Some farms are adapting with different harvesting times, new varieties, or even moving production to cooler areas.
This also explains why prices are rising lately — it’s not just inflation; yields are genuinely lower in many places.
Quality is Becoming a Bigger Priority
More producers (big and small) are focusing on high-phenolic oils, early harvests, and traceability. There’s growing consumer awareness that not all extra virgin olive oil is created equal, and people are demanding proof.
→ Certification programs, awards, and lab testing transparency are gaining traction.
New Packaging Innovations
As we talked about in the buying and storing thread, packaging is evolving.
We’re seeing more UV-blocking plastics, lightweight tins, bag-in-box EVOO, and even compostable materials coming onto the scene.
The goal is simple: protect freshness and lower the environmental impact of shipping and production.
Non-Traditional Regions Are Stepping Up
While Mediterranean countries still dominate, amazing oils are now coming from places like California, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and even Japan.
→ Some traditional producers are starting collaborations with farms abroad to maintain quality and adapt to climate realities.
What Have You Noticed?
- Have you seen price changes in your favorite oils?
- Tried a surprising new brand or region lately?
- Noticed better (or worse) labeling and packaging?
- Curious about anything happening behind the scenes?
Drop your thoughts below — and feel free to share any articles, podcasts, or firsthand experiences. Would love for this thread to evolve as a running “news desk” for the community.
Thanks for being here,
Luca
Tags:
tag:olive-oil-news tag:evoo-trends tag:climate-change tag:olive-oil-quality tag:olive-oil-packaging
tag:global-olive-oil tag:olive-oil-industry tag:market-trends tag:sustainability tag:olive-oil-prices