From 4 thousand tons in the 1990s up to 60 tons of olive oil imported into Japan in 2024/25. The tumultuous growth of the Japanese market, together with tensions over the Trump administration’s tariffs in the United States, are directing investment choices towards international markets.
Gennaro Sicolo
“Market data clearly indicates that the consumption of olive oil in Japan grows the more communication and promotional actions are carried out – says Gennaro Sicolo, president of Italia Olivicola e National Vice President of CIA Italian Farmers – This is why we insisted on our presence in Osaka, through our strategic partners Alce Nero and Finoliva. In the space of three years, from 1993 to 1995, olive oil consumption in Japan tripled. Then it took 10 years for it to double. Today, data from the International Olive Council show that consumption has stabilized at 55-60 tons. We need to start investing again, and Italian olive growers are setting a good example.”
Italy Olive growing was in fact present on the occasion of theOsaka Expo at an Eataly space where he demonstrated the peculiarities of Italian extra virgin olive oil, with the participation of the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida (in the cover photo).
The stand in Japan
In Japan, olive oil is often used as a cooking oil, but in Italy, extra virgin olive oil is used as a condiment to appreciate its flavor and aroma. For this event, we proposed some ways to expand the range of uses for extra virgin olive oil, appreciating its flavor and aroma. – said Koto Yasaki, Product Manager Alce Nero -. The promotion allowed visitors to experience the rich flavor of Italian extra virgin olive oil and the different flavors of each variety (fruity, sweet, monocultivar Carolea), conveying the charm of Italian extra virgin olive oil and Alce Nero to visitors.Alce Nero’s strength is offering the Japanese an organic, controlled, and certified extra virgin olive oil. According to Sinab data, Italy is the leader in organic olive growing, along with Tunisia and Spain, with a 37,7% increase in acreage since 2015.
Dining and Cooking