About Tunisian olive oil production
Olive cultivation in Tunisia dates back to the 8th century. For thousands of years, olive oil had been prominent in all the greatest civilizations that have prospered in Tunisia. Indeed, the olive tree have been cultivated by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs, in a tradition that has been passed down from father to son ever since.
In the course of ages, olive oil had been used for multiple purposes: Athletes used it to massage their muscles and women to keep a firm skin. Besides, it was collectively established that olive juice is a toning stimulant helping to prevent baldness, and, by blending it with wine and spices, it was used for cosmetic purposes.
Today, Tunisia became the biggest olive oil producer, outside the European Union, arriving in the fourth position after Spain, Italy and Greece.
Tunisia will become the world’s second largest producer of olive oil after Spain. With production reaching 350 thousand tonnes during the 2019-2020 season!
Tunisia is the most important olive-growing country of the southern Mediterranean region; over 30% of its cultivated land is dedicated to olive growing (1.68 million ha).
Excluding the European Union, it is the major world power in the olive oil sector. It is making great efforts to restructure and modernize its sector as well as to raise olive oil quality and expand acreage
The oldest Tunisian olive tree is impressive, its roots cover a surface that approximates sixteen square meters and its trunk has a six meter circumference. Regarding its age, it overtakes 2500 years !
