Hey EVOO enthusiasts!
The 2024/25 harvest season in France has been a bit of a mixed bag, with some regions producing amazing results while others were less fortunate. The ups and downs of this year’s crop are a reminder of how unpredictable and, at times, challenging olive farming can be.
In many parts of southern France, like Provence and Languedoc, olive farmers faced some tough conditions this year. Unpredictable weather, including heat waves and unexpected rain during flowering, led to a decline in yields for many. Some areas even reported a drop of up to 50% compared to previous seasons! Still, the passionate producers in these regions are no strangers to adversity, and despite these hurdles, some have managed to produce truly exceptional oils.
On the flip side, areas like Alpes-Maritimes and Bouches-du-Rhône saw much better conditions and experienced a fantastic harvest. It’s a great reminder of how varied things can be within France’s different growing regions, thanks to the country’s mountainous landscape and proximity to the Mediterranean. This variation often leads to microclimates where conditions can differ dramatically from one area to another.
For example, Château d’Estoublon in the Vallée des Baux-de-Provence had a stellar year, increasing their production by 32% compared to last year! How? They attribute a lot of this success to some serious attention to detail – specifically, their meticulous pruning over the years. The hard work they’ve put into their trees really paid off. On top of that, favorable weather and a solid harvest strategy, including careful timing of when to pick the olives, helped them produce top-quality EVOO.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Even the most prepared producers had to navigate the challenges posed by the weather. Domaine Clos des Faucons in the Donce Valley faced similar issues, with higher water content in their olives and lower yields than last year. It’s a reminder that in olive oil production, even the best-laid plans can face setbacks.
One thing’s for sure: the quality of the oil remains a priority for many French producers. Despite the variations in yield, the focus on optimal harvest times and preserving the freshness and flavor profiles of the olives is what ultimately sets the high-end oils apart. Producers like Domaine de Gerbaud had a more modest yield but still managed to produce some stunning EVOO with distinct green, fruity notes. Their Silver Award at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is a testament to the dedication of producers, even when the harvest isn’t what they expected.
The key takeaway from this harvest season? While the weather has thrown a few curveballs, the French olive oil industry continues to prove its resilience and commitment to quality. Every season brings new challenges, but it also brings new opportunities for growth and innovation.
So, whether you’re a fan of French EVOO or just someone who appreciates a well-made bottle of olive oil, this harvest season reminds us all of the importance of craftsmanship and care that goes into producing each and every bottle.
Until next time, let’s keep celebrating this incredible, ever-evolving world of EVOO!
Luca’s Take
Source inspiration from Olive Oil Times – March 21, 2025.