Spanish olive oil is gaining ground in Mercosur and India thanks to new trade agreements

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

International Markets

The Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, highlighted at the Mundolivar congress in Cordoba the opportunities for Spanish olive oil in markets such as Mercosur and India, driven by the new EU trade agreements, which consolidate the sector's export leadership.

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The Spanish olive oil sector is positioning itself for the new markets of Mercosur and India.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, he emphasized at the IV World Congress of Olive Growing (Mundolivar) On Córdoba Export opportunities for Spanish olive oil. Future trade agreements that the Unión Europea is negotiating with blocs such as Mercosur and strategic markets such as India They are shaping up to be crucial for winning over new consumers and consolidating leadership in España in the industry.

During his speech, the minister emphasized that one of the major challenges for the future is expand the presence of olive oil in export marketsThis product enjoys growing demand from a global consumer who values ​​not only quality but also the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. The opening of these new markets represents a key driver for the sector's sustained growth.

Spanish leadership in the global olive oil market

According to the data presented by Planas, the leadership of España Spain's position in the production and marketing of olive oil is undisputed worldwide. The country accounts for 40% of global production, reaching 1,29 million tons in the current 2025-2026 season. In terms of foreign trade, sales exceed... 4.800 millones de euroswith a consolidated presence in more than 150 countries.

Key Indicator of the Spanish Olive Oil Sector	Figure	Campaign / Period
World Production Share	40%	2025-2026
Output	1,29 billion tons	2025-2026
Value of Exports	4.800 millones de euros	Annual
CAP aid for traditional olive groves	27,5 millones de euros	Annual

Sector support strategy: CAP and new regulations

The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to the sector, which is not only a pillar of the agri-food economy but also an essential element for environmental sustainability and territorial cohesion, with almost 2,8 million hectares of olive groves. An example of this support is the specific aid for the traditional olive grove within the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), endowed with 27,5 million euros per year for farms with specific difficulties and high environmental value.

Furthermore, a public consultation has been launched for the olive oil marketing standard for the 2026/2027 season. This measure aims to create a storage mechanism that would only be activated in the event of exceptionally abundant harvests that could depress prices. The objective, according to PlanasIt is about guaranteeing profitability throughout the value chain: "that the primary producer obtains a decent income and that families can buy olive oil at reasonable prices."

Innovation and adaptation to climate change as keys to the future

The recognition of the quality of Spanish olive oil is based on a rigorous regulatory framework and the sector's modernization efforts. In this context, Planas has highlighted the importance of new genomic techniques (NTG), whose regulations were approved by the Parlamento europeo Two days ago. This innovation is crucial, especially in the face of climate change, as it will allow the development of plants more resistant to drought and high temperatures. This technology will be fundamental to maintaining the productive capacity of key regions such as Andalucía, main producer of olive oil.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the future of Spanish olive oil

As a Spanish exporter, how do these agreements with Mercosur and India directly affect me?

These trade agreements, once ratified, will lead to a reduction or elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, facilitating access to markets with a rapidly expanding middle class and a growing interest in healthy, high-quality products such as olive oil. For an exporting company, this translates into new business opportunities, greater competitiveness against producers in other regions, and the possibility of diversifying its international client base.

What are the consequences for Spain of the new regulatory framework for NTG?

The approval of the regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NTG) will allow Spanish producers and research centers to develop olive varieties better adapted to the effects of climate change, such as water scarcity. This not only ensures the long-term viability of farms, especially in the south of Spain, but also fosters the development of new varieties. Españabut it also strengthens the country's technological and productive leadership, guaranteeing a stable and high-quality supply for international markets.

What should exporters know about the new 2026/2027 marketing standard?

The marketing standard aims to bring stability to the market. For an exporter, this means greater predictability in farmgate prices. By having a mechanism that can withdraw product from the market in years of overproduction to prevent price collapses, the profitability of the entire supply chain is protected. Although it is an exceptional activation mechanism, it provides a safety net that contributes to a more stable business environment for planning export operations.