The National Council for Packaged Olive Oil, meeting on Monday, adopted the components of the 2026 program, which continues the national effort to promote Tunisian olive oil and win new promising markets such as Asia, Latin America, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The program also aims to strengthen the positioning of packaged Tunisian olive oil in markets where it is already present.
During the meeting, held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, it was announced that a national competition would be organized for the 2025–2026 season to award the national prize for the best packaged olive oil.
The meeting, which brought together all stakeholders in the sector, also discussed a specific program to support startups involved in exporting this vital product, helping them develop their export capacities, preparing market-entry plans, and supporting them in promotion, commercial establishment and obtaining necessary certifications.
The Council also reviewed progress on the public-interest promotional and advertising campaign titled “Year 2025”.
Emphasis was placed on coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Agriculture to promote packaged olive oil.
The Minister praised the efforts of the public and private sectors in enhancing the value of Tunisian packaged olive oil, highlighting the increase in its exports, from 1.3 thousand tons during the 2006–2007 season to 42.2 thousand tons during the 2024–2025 season.
She added that the 2025–2026 season is expected to produce 500 thousand tons of oil, an increase of about 47% compared to the previous season, along with exports of 300 thousand tons of this vital product.
The Minister stressed the importance of further promoting packaged olive oil exports through a participatory approach among all stakeholders, recalling that priority is given to this strategic sector—particularly through decisions adopted by the small Cabinet meeting on October 25, 2025, to promote Tunisia as a country of origin of high-quality packaged olive oil, in line with International Olive Council standards.
Series of measures for olive oil sector
For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program to enhance the value of its high-quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as agro-food investments and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to transition from bulk production to bottled olive oils.
Training initiatives have been implemented to promote environmentally friendly production practices, strengthening biosecurity, sustainability, and conservation.
The main objective is to place Tunisian olive oil firmly on the global map, help local producers access high value-added export markets, and improve product quality.
This initiative also seeks to strengthen the sector’s resilience to climate change.
With roots dating back to pre-Roman times, Tunisia’s olive oil sector is at a turning point in its history. Thanks to strategic investments, well-planned export strategies, food safety measures, and strong branding, the sector is preparing for a renaissance.
Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation, and reinforce its position as a leading global supplier of high-quality olive oil products. The future of Tunisian olive oil looks more promising than ever.
It is worth recalling that Tunisia recently won first place worldwide at the Afro-Asian International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, organized in Abu Dhabi by the Swedish group “International Olive Oil Competitions.”
Dining and Cooking