Spain consolidates its world leadership and accounts for 68% of the olive pomace oil trade

Circular Economy for Olive Oil

Spain reaffirms its dominance in the global olive pomace oil market, concentrating 68% of world trade, according to the 2026 Sector Report. The sector, a pillar of the circular economy, generated €326 million in exports in the 2024/25 season, with a presence in more than 130 countries.

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España reaffirms its dominance in the global market of olive pomace oil, concentrating 68% of world trade and around 60% of production, according to the 2026 Sector Report on Olive Pomace OilThe sector, a strategic pillar of the circular economy, generated 326 million euros in exports during the 2024/25 campaign, consolidating its presence in more than 130 international markets.

Published on August 28, 2026 MadridThe report underscores the structurally dominant position of the Spanish industry. With a projected production of 125.000 tons for the 2025/26 season, the sector not only leads in volume but also represents a key economic driver, generating 3.000 direct and 15.000 indirect jobs, with an average turnover approaching €600 million.

Structural leadership in production and circular economy

The global olive oil industry generates between 13 and 18 million tons of olive pomace annually, a byproduct that constitutes approximately 80% of the olive's weight. The Spanish industry has perfected a valorization model that transforms this residue into approximately 200.000 tons of olive pomace oil, converting España in the global benchmark of this process circular economyThis model allows for obtaining a stable oil, with a competitive price and with growing demand in foreign markets, to which most of the national production is destined.

Foreign trade: price adjustments and new areas of growth

The 2024/25 season closed with exports valued at €326 million, down from €425 million in the previous cycle. This contraction is due to a price correction following several years of exceptionally high values. The unit price fell by 24%, settling at €3.097,1 per ton, although it remains above the historical average.

In terms of volume, Italia It remained the main destination with 17.235 tons (16,4% of the total). However, the report highlights the notable increases in sales to Portugal (+ 126%) y China (+ 54%)markets that show a growing interest in the product. Sales to countries outside the Unión Europea (61.563 tons) exceeded intra-community exports (43.555 tons), representing 64% of the total value exported and reaching a unit price 24% higher.

At the start of the current 2025/26 campaign, the main export destinations have been Estados Unidos (30%), Brasil (10,5%) and Reino Unido (9,6%), which confirms the diversification and strength of the international client portfolio. Meanwhile, imports totaled 65.886 tons, the lowest figure in recent years.

Foreign Trade Indicator (2024/25 Campaign)	Figure	Variation / Detail
Value of Exports	€326 million	Compared to €425 million in the previous campaign
Unit Value per Ton	3.097,1 €	-24% compared to the previous campaign
Main Destination (Volume)	Italia	16,4% of the total (17.235 tons)
Fastest Growing Markets	Portugal y China	+126% and +54% respectively
Exports outside the EU	61.563 tonnes	75% of total EU exports

X-ray of a consolidated industrial power

The export strength of España It relies on a robust industrial structure composed of 1.852 olive oil mills, 1.700 bottling plants, 67 pomace extraction plants and 22 refineriesThis network makes the country a global leader in the processing and marketing of the product. In the first three months of the 2025/26 season, the 67 extraction plants have already processed more than 4,2 million tons of wet olive pomace, resulting in 31.109 tons of crude olive pomace oil.

Market context and outlook for the 2025/26 campaign

The current campaign is unfolding in a stabilizing environment. Following the sharp correction of the previous cycle, pomace oil prices are showing strength: crude is around €140/100 kg and refined around €200/100 kg, values ​​in line with the average of recent years. National olive oil production is estimated at 1,25 million tons, slightly below the initial forecast due to the smaller harvest in [year missing]. AndalucíaThis helps maintain market equilibrium. At the EU level, stocks and production forecasts point to a stable environment for the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Spain's position in the global olive pomace oil market?

According to the 2026 Sector Report, España It is the undisputed leader, accounting for 68% of world trade and approximately 60% of global production. It acts as the leading producer and exporter internationally.

How has the price correction affected the sector's exports?

In the 2024/25 season, the value of exports fell to €326 million from €425 million in the previous season. This drop was due to a 24% decrease in the unit value per ton, although this remains above the historical average.

Which countries are the main export destinations for Spanish pomace oil?

By volume, Italia It was the main destination in the 2024/25 season. However, at the start of the 2025/26 season, the most important markets are Estados Unidos (30%), Brasil (10,5%) and Reino Unido (9,6%). Also noteworthy are the strong growth rates in Portugal y China.

What role does the sector play in the circular economy?

The sector is a key example of the circular economy. Annually, it transforms between 13 and 18 million tons of olive pomace (a byproduct of olive oil) into approximately 200.000 tons of olive pomace oil, adding value to a waste product and turning it into a product with high international demand.