Syria’s olive oil production attracts Europe’s attention

Italy, the world’s second largest olive oil producer, has to go shopping for its green gold in Syria, because it cannot keep up with its own demand. The average Italian consumes around 47 cups a year, in comparison with countries like the UK, Germany and the US, where less than one is the norm. In 2006, Syria produced 205,000 tons of olive oil, much of it of premium grade, which is most in demand on the international market. Syria’s domestic consumption of olive oil accounts for only about 50% of its total production, leaving at least 100,000 tons for export. It stands to reason then that Italy, which also imports the oil for redistribution and marketing to other countries, would be a returning customer with a vested interest in its supplier’s efficient operations. Evidence of olive cultivation in Syria dates back 5,500 years, extending to all parts of the Mediterranean,