Middle East & Africa Olive Oil Market Outlook, 2028

Olive oil, also known as "liquid gold," has been a staple in the diets of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) civilizations for millennia. Olive oil, renowned for its health advantages and versatility, is not only a culinary gem but also a vital economic product. The Middle East and Africa region has a long and illustrious history of olive oil production. Olive cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These civilizations recognized the value of olive oil not just as a food staple but also as a symbol of riches and power. Throughout history, olive trees have been honored as sacred plants, and olive branches have represented peace and victory. Today, the MEA region remains an important player in the worldwide olive oil market. Tunisia and Morocco are well-known for producing high-quality olive oil. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and moderate, wet winters, makes olive trees grow, making this region excellent for agriculture. Furthermore, the region's olive oil production has increased due to the use of modern farming techniques and technology. Increased yields and higher-quality olive oil have resulted from improved irrigation systems, enhanced harvesting machinery, and pest control measures. Furthermore, traditional, labor-intensive harvesting and pressing procedures, such as stone mill extraction, continue to be used, preserving the oil's authenticity and integrity. The knowledge passed down through generations enables the manufacture of high-quality extra virgin olive oil that not only tantalizes the palate but also captures the essence of centuries-old traditions. Middle Eastern and African olive oil is an uncommon and valued culinary treasure in the world of cuisine due to this special relationship between culture, legacy, and workmanship.

According to the research report "Middle East & Africa Olive Oil Market Outlook, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East & Africa Olive Oil market is expected to reach market size of more than USD 2 Billion by 2028. Olive oil is revered in the spiritual practices of the Middle East. In Christianity, olive oil is used to symbolize purity and healing in sacraments such as baptism and the anointing of the sick. It is used extensively in daily life in Islam, from anointing the dead before burial to lighting lamps on major occasions such as Eid. The use of olive oil in religious rites emphasizes its spiritual significance. The olive harvest season is a time of joy and community building in the MEA region. Families and communities gather to pick olives, which are often done using traditional methods handed down through generations. This time-consuming method entails hand-picking olives and pressing them in stone mills, which protects the oil's authenticity. MEA hospitality is well-known across the globe, and olive oil plays an important role in this culture. Bread and olive oil are commonly used to greet guests, indicating a warm welcome and the sharing of abundance. Offering olive oil shows the cultural ideal of giving as well as the importance of building connections via food. Olive oil production is not only a cultural tradition but also an important source of income for many MEA communities. Small-scale and family-owned olive orchards support countless people's livelihoods, and the olive oil industry helps local economies, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, as the prevalence of a variety of ailments such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer rises, there is a significant shift in consumer eating habits across the region. As a result of these rising numbers, the market is likely to be driven by the trend of maintaining overall health and fitness by switching to better oil options.

Based on report, market is bifurcated into three major countries UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Saudi Arabia is one of the major consumers of olive oil in the region.

Saudi Arabia stands out as a major user of olive oil in the Middle East and Africa region for several convincing reasons. To begin, it is critical to recognize the changing dietary preferences of Saudi customers. As the country adopts a more health-conscious attitude toward food, olive oil has grown in popularity due to its well-established health advantages. The monounsaturated fats found in olive oil are considered heart-healthy and align with Saudi Arabia's rising understanding of the importance of cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the Saudi government has actively encouraged healthy eating habits as part of its Vision 2030 program, which stresses wellness and healthcare. This has contributed to an increase in the use of olive oil as a key ingredient in a healthier diet. Saudi Arabia's diversified population, which includes a sizable expatriate community, has also contributed to increased demand for olive oil. Expatriates from Mediterranean countries introduced their culinary traditions to the region, cultivating a demand for olive oil-rich foods among the local people. Furthermore, the expanding hospitality and restaurant industries in Saudi Arabia have embraced olive oil as versatile and high-quality cooking oil. Olive oil is currently widely used in both traditional Saudi recipes and the various cuisines available on the country's broad culinary scene. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's dedication to economic diversification has resulted in investments in domestic olive oil production. Domestic olive tree cultivation efforts, together with agreements with overseas producers, have not only expanded local output but also enhanced consumer knowledge and accessibility of olive oil.

In terms of nature market is divided into conventional and organic. Conventional type is predicted to lead the market of Middle East & Africa olive oil market.



Traditional olive oil production methods, like hand-picking olives and stone mill extraction, are still widely used in the MEA region. These procedures not only preserve the oil's authenticity and purity, but they also reflect the region's cultural and historical significance in olive oil production. Consumers in the MEA region frequently value the heritage and skill connected with these traditional processes, making conventional olive oil in great demand. Traditional olive oil is noted for its powerful and varied flavor profiles, with each MEA country providing a distinct flavor experience. Traditional production processes help preserve the peculiar flavor characteristics of Tunisian oils, which range from robust and peppery to softer and butteries. This diversity appeals to both local and international consumers who seek the rich and authentic tastes that conventional olive oil can provide. Furthermore, there is a growing global trend toward organic and artisanal food items, and traditional olive oil frequently corresponds to these desires. It is regarded as a high-end product that exemplifies workmanship, sustainability, and a connection to the soil. MEA producers have realized this desire and are increasingly emphasizing sustainable farming practices, including organic growing, which adds to conventional olive oil's popularity. Finally, traditional olive oil has cultural value in the MEA region, where it is frequently used in religious rites, culinary traditions, and daily life. This cultural link fosters the desire for traditional olive oil manufacturing processes and consumption.

Based on End-User market is divided into household, industrial and food service industries. Among them households are the major consumers of olive oil in Middle East & Africa. Furthermore, the distribution channel of the market includes convenience stores, hypermarket / supermarket, direct sales, online and others.

Households in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are the primary consumers of olive oil for a variety of reasons that are firmly ingrained in both cultural and culinary traditions. To begin, olive oil, recognized for its rich and varied flavors, plays an important role in the MEA diet. Whether it's the fruity and powerful oils of Tunisia, the gentler and butterier variants of Morocco, or the peppery notes of Greek olive oil, each location offers distinct flavor profiles that have become indispensable in everyday cooking. Households value these different flavors, and they use olive oil not only for frying and sautéing but also as a basic component in salads, dressings, and marinades to improve the overall taste and healthiness of their meals. Cultural factors also play a pivotal role. In the MEA region, olive oil has deep-rooted cultural significance, often used in religious ceremonies, traditional practices, and celebrations. The act of sharing bread and olive oil is a symbol of hospitality and warmth, reflecting the region's tradition of welcoming guests into their homes. This cultural attachment to olive oil reinforces its role as a staple in MEA households. Olive oil is majorly distributed through convenience stores and is leading distribution channel as well in MEA. Convenience stores abound in the MEA region, making them conveniently accessible to a diverse variety of consumers, from cities to isolated villages. This accessibility means that olive oil is readily available to a diverse population, catering to the region's different demographics. Consumers are increasingly seeking ease in their buying habits as MEA countries urbanize and experience lifestyle transformations. Convenience stores offer a one-stop shopping solution for everyday necessities, such as olive oil, which has become a home staple due to its health advantages and culinary variety.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa Olive Oil with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Olive Oil market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Nature:
• Conventional
• Organic

By End-User:
• Domestic
• Industrial
• Food Service

By Distribution Channel:
• Convenience store
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Direct Sales
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Olive Oil industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.