Record Harvest Expected in Olive and Olive Oil Sector: Industry Calls for Exports

Ege Zeytin ve Zeytinyağı İhracatçıları Birliği (EZZİB) announced that high harvests are expected in Turkey as well as in Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia during the 2026/27 season. EZZİB Chairman Emre Uygun warned that while the expected increase in production presents opportunities for the sector, failure to implement correct policies could lead to price pressure and inventory problems.

Speaking with members of the press, Uygun stated that keeping all export channels open is critical for the sector's future, and that exporters need a predictable trade environment to be able to make long-term contracts with international buyers.

"Support to Protect Producers Must Be Increased"
Noting the rising costs in energy, labour, irrigation, harvesting, packaging and logistics have increased pressure on the sector, Uygun said that cost increases could not be offset by currency developments. Uygun stated that they are requesting the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey to increase the foreign exchange return support from 3 percent to 10 percent.

Export Revenue Down 34 Percent
Uygun announced that the sector's total exports stood at USD 260 million as of 31 May 2026, and noted that export revenues experienced an approximately 34 percent decline compared to the same period in the previous season due to the decline in global prices and adjustments in the domestic market.

During this period, table olive exports maintained strong performance at USD 172.5 million, while olive oil exports fell 62 percent to USD 69 million.

Access to Finance Is Top Priority Item
Emphasizing that access to finance is one of the most important demands from sector companies, Uygun said that rising costs in production and export processes have increased the financing burden. He stated that support mechanisms must be strengthened in order for exporters to maintain their competitive strength.

Data-Driven Period Targeted in Harvest Forecasts
EZZİB is working on a technology-supported production tracking system to enable more accurate harvest forecasts. Within the scope of work conducted with Bornova Olive Research Institute, the development of a "Digital Olive Oil Production Tracking System" is planned, which will enable digital tracking of the entire process from production to storage, similar to practices in Spain.

Opening New Markets with Distant Countries Strategy
EZZİB Vice Chairman M. Kadri Gündeş stated that they are continuing their work towards markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, Brazil and Australia under the Ministry of Commerce's Distant Countries Strategy. He said the aim is to increase the visibility of Turkish olives and olive oil in global markets through sectoral trade missions and international fair participation.

MOSH-MOAH Regulations Creating Risk for Exports
EZZİB Board Member Rahmi Balsarı noted that the European Union has prepared new standards on mineral oil residues (MOSH-MOAH), stating that these regulations pose a significant risk for olive oil exports. He conveyed that efforts are ongoing to postpone implementation to 2030 to allow the sector to complete necessary preparations.

QR Code Proposal in Fighting Counterfeits and Adulteration
EZZİB Board Member Vural Gözgeç drew attention to the increasing problem of counterfeits and adulteration, particularly in e-commerce channels. Proposing the implementation of a QR code-based tracking system to increase traceability in the sector, Gözgeç stated that consumers would be able to easily verify the source and reliability of products through this system.

Photo caption: Ege Zeytin ve Zeytinyağı İhracatçıları Birliği held a press meeting where it discussed the sector's agenda on production, exports and sustainability.